Many homeowners in Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood have asked themselves, “What season is the best time to sell my home?” Of course, the answer that Boston real estate agents will share with sellers depends on several factors. Is the seller looking to sell quickly, or do they have the time and patience to wait for the perfect buyer? In this blog post, we will explore things to consider when selling your home in Jamaica Plain during each season.
Market trends
The first thing to do before considering which season is best for selling your Jamaica Plain real estate is to check the market trends of the past few years. You may be pleased to learn that you won't have too much competition whenever you sell, as the number of homes for sale per month in Jamaica Plain has not exceeded 35 in the past five years. Home listings from Boston real estate agents fluctuate by month, but there are usually slight spikes in September compared to July and August. The largest spikes in the number of Jamaica Plain homes for sale over the past five years occurred in September 2017, June and September 2019, September 2020, April 2021, and April 2022. As such, your highest competition will likely appear in September if you plan to sell before 2023.
Boston real estate agents are also pleased to note that the median number of days homes have been on the market has been below 70 since February 2022. A median amount like that can result in a quick listing-to-closing period for Jamaica Plain homes for sale listed before the end of this year. In general, over the past five years, homes have stayed on the market for medians of 150 days or fewer, with a notable spike to 279 in November 2021.
Seasonal considerations
Summer
As one of the best neighborhoods to raise a family in the Boston area, Jamaica Plain real estate is particularly attractive to families moving in during the summer and early autumn. When they can purchase Jamaica Plain homes for sale before the new school year starts, they’ll get settled in and avoid the chaos of finding a place to live and getting their children registered for school at the last minute. If you're looking for a quick sale on a property that happens to be close to one of the area’s schools, then listing your home in Jamaica Plain with one of the available Boston real estate agents during the summer season may be your best bet.
Should you choose to list your Jamaica Plain real estate in summer, make sure you plant some seasonal flowers to bring some extra color to your exterior. You'll also want to ensure your lawn stays properly trimmed and watered so it looks its best in photos and during showings. Finding ways to beat the heat and enjoy the outdoors when marketing your property is also essential. Consider attending the annual
Scooper Bowl, where you can enjoy as much ice cream as you can eat. Don't forget to remind interested buyers about
Harborfest,
Shakespeare on the Common, and of course,
preseason games for the New England Patriots!
Autumn
If your Jamaica Plain home is surrounded by trees and foliage, you can't go wrong with an autumn listing. The changing colors of the leaves are a major selling point for families looking to move to the area. Boston's autumns are some of the most beautiful in the country, and potential buyers will be impressed by the foliage while searching for a new home as they offer a taste of New England living.
When marketing Jamaica Plain homes for sale in the autumn, ensure you keep leaves swept up and your driveway clear. It is easy for leaf stains to set in, which can be detrimental to the first impression you may set for your Jamaica Plain real estate. Be sure to advertise the wealth of events new owners can experience in Boston in the autumn, like the annual
Columbus Day Parade,
Boston Fashion Week, new shows opening in the
Theater District, and several concerts sure to keep new owners of Jamaica Plain real estate busy all season long!
Winter
While winter offers fewer listings of Jamaica Plain real estate, Boston's cold weather and large snowfall totals are not without their unique charms and fans. A good number of families looking to purchase Jamaica Plain homes for sale prefer to do so in the winter so they can get a feel for what it's like to live in Boston during the coldest months.
If you do choose to list your Jamaica Plain home during the winter, make sure you have good-quality photos that show off your property in its best light. You'll also want to be sure you keep your driveway and walkways clear of any slipping hazards. Include a carpet just inside your main entrance to catch the worst of winter’s debris on guests' shoes. It is also helpful to offer a place to store coats and boots so potential buyers can fully appreciate the living space on offer.
Don't forget to market Boston's attractions when listing Jamaica Plain real estate during the winter season, too! Include directions to the
holiday markets and highlight the best places to view holiday lights. Remember to mention your favorite features of
First Night activities and Boston's New Year's Eve celebration, and definitely promote the
Boston Bruins hockey season for sports fans!
Wine tasting galas in January are also a great selling point for Boston's winter social scene.
Spring
After a long Boston winter, families often itch to get out and about to enjoy the warmer weather. Spring is, therefore, one of the best seasons for selling Jamaica Plain real estate. If you're planning on listing your home during this time, you'll want to take advantage of the warmer weather and longer days by sprucing up your landscaping. Plant some new flowers, trim your hedges, and make sure your lawn is green and freshly mowed. You should also open up all of your windows to let in some fresh air and make sure your home feels light and airy.
Be sure to point out spring events like the
Boston Marathon, where new homeowners can cheer for runners as they participate in of the greatest races in the world. Families will also be drawn to the
Duckling Day Parade and
Hidden Gardens of Beacon Hill Tour, so mention these attractions in your listing as well. Springtime in Boston is also a great time to enjoy the city's many outdoor parks, so be sure to include directions to your favorites!
No matter which season you choose to list your Jamaica Plain home in, highlight all of the best events and attractions Boston has to offer. From Autumn’s changing leaves to the Boston Marathon in Spring, there is something for everyone during every season. Boston real estate agents are proven experts in helping market Jamaica Plain homes to potential buyers, no matter what time of year it is. Contact one of the experienced agents at
Prism Real Estate Group today to start listing your Jamaica Plain real estate!
*Header photo courtesy of Prism Real Estate Group