Topic 1 of 8 Little Secrets for Buying a Home Series

Navigating the Atlanta real estate market requires understanding its weekly and seasonal dynamics, which can influence buying and selling strategies.

One simple way to explain these cycles is for me to use an air travel metaphor: It’s like knowing the best time of year to plan a trip for flight availability or the best day of the week to book a flight for the best fare.  

Let’s delve into some key insights!

Weekly Flow:

• Homes typically hit the market on Thursday or Friday, requiring buyers to be prepared with research and finances by Tuesday for serious offers.
• Sellers may benefit from listing midweek to attract motivated buyers.
• Agent showings can be strategic during slower market times.
• The most popular months for new listings are usually April, March, May, June, and July.

Seasonal Trends:

• Spring and early fall bring heightened competition for both buyers and sellers.
• Suburban areas align with the school calendar, with listings peaking in April, May, and June.
• Summer slows down but offers negotiation opportunities for serious buyers and flexible sellers.
• Yearly highs and lows in market activity vary across categories like searches, prices, housing starts, sales, and inventories.

Just like air travel, as you get out there, you start to know what to expect and know what time you need to be out there to get the best outcome.  It’s a huge lesson for buyers to know that they’ll need to adapt and be flexible.

So, go with the flow!  If you are starting your search in December, January or August, be prepared that there won’t be that many homes to see.  If you can be patient and wait it out until March, April, May or June, you’ll have plenty to choose from but be ready to pounce if the right house comes along because other buyers are likely doing the exact same as you.  

Understanding these patterns can empower you to make informed decisions in the ever-changing market. If you’re considering buying or selling, reach out to discuss tailored strategies for your neighborhood. Let’s work together to navigate the flow effectively.