Ground Hog Day – what kind of spring real estate market are we in for?

January 31, 2019

Do you believe whether a groundhog sees its shadow or not is a true indication of when Spring will come?

A lot of people aren’t even sure, which means we’re going to have more winter.

But even if you do, it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. If it’s sunny, and he sees his shadow, that means a longer winter. If it’s cloudy and he doesn’t see his shadow, it means Spring will come sooner. That seems totally backwards.

And then there are lots of different groundhogs… which are you supposed to believe? Punxsutawney Phil? Staten Island Chuck?

Groundhogs don’t predict Spring

Truth is, Spring never actually comes sooner, even if every single groundhog doesn’t see his shadow. It begins on a specific calendar day.

Now the weather on the other hand, that’s a different story. The weather will be what it will be. Weather is something people make small talk about.

But a groundhog predicting it!? Meteorologists can barely do it.

So, most people don’t put a whole lot of stock in what the groundhogs “say” on Groundhog Day. However, a lot of people do put stock in the “Spring market” when it comes to real estate.

Is Spring the best time to buy and sell real estate?

So many people believe it’s the “best” time to buy or sell real estate. Not necessarily.

Sure, there is definitely a “Spring market”.

But first of all, to even say exactly what day it begins is impossible. Some real estate agents even say the Spring market begins in January. Others may say March. Or April. Maybe May.

And while there’s no definite answer as to when the Spring market actually begins, it’s even more inaccurate to say that it’s the best time for you to buy or sell a house.

It might be for some clients… but certainly not for everyone. It depends on so many variables, and upon the client’s specific scenario and needs.

Some solid advice…

Don’t put stock in the “Spring market”, no matter what you hear, or who you hear it from.

Do not base your decisions about when to buy or sell upon something people talk about as lightly as the weather… or whether the Groundhog saw its shadow or not.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

But if you are thinking about buying or selling, or both, then we should chat. And strategize.

Is now a better moment for you to begin buying or selling?

Or is it better for you to wait until Spring is “officially” here?

Or perhaps Summer…

Or Fall…

Or Winter…

It depends on a whole lot of variables.

So, if you’re thinking of buying or selling, let’s just chat.

If not, just stick this in your head for future reference!

Happy Groundhog Day!