Real Estate Timing 101 for Realtors: How to Make the Most of Any Market

To excel as a real estate agent, it is crucial to have a strong understanding of how to navigate the timing of the market in order to best serve your clients.  Whether you’re working with buyers, sellers, or investors, being able to advise your clients on when to best buy or sell based on an informed knowledge of current market conditions can help your clients achieve a high return on investment.

In this article, you’ll learn top tips and strategies for timing of the real estate market depending on the nature of housing market. Whether you’re working with first-time homebuyers or seasoned investors, these strategies will help you provide valuable guidance and support to your clients as they navigate the complex and often unpredictable real estate market.

The differences between a buyer’s and seller’s market

Firstly, what is a buyer’s and seller’s market?  In short, a buyer’s market is when there are more properties for sale than there are buyers, while a seller’s market refers to the opposite. It’s safe to say that people want to buy when it’s a buyer’s market and sell when it’s a seller’s market.  However, for properties in big cities, a buyer’s market can be rare as supply can never seem to keep up with demand. 

Generally, the type of real estate market will be determined by this balance between supply and demand, together with the economic situation and financing availability. Let’s look at how you can help your clients to achieve their real estate goals in whatever the market situation may be. 

Buying in a Buyer’s Market

Sellers tend to offer more room for negotiation in this climate, given that offers are rare and might not come around again for them. With buyers having more of bargaining power, they can make offers below the asking price and even convince the seller to cover other expenses such as closing costs, inspections, and home warranty. 

Make sure to supply your clients with the relevant research and data to make a compelling offer that the seller can’t refuse, as well as negotiate better terms.  In the case that the buyer needs to sell their existing home, the seller may be in the position to accept a conditional offer, dependent on the buyer selling their house.

Selling in a Buyer’s Market

In this market, the advice to sellers is to hold off on listing their properties for sale until the demand is high and the housing inventory level is low.  However, the seller should take into account other factors, including their financial needs and relocation timeline. These might require them to sell now rather than wait for demand to rise. Here are some strategies for selling in a buyer’s market without incurring significant losses.

Leverage online marketing. With more properties for sale than there are buyers, competition in the market will be intense. The sellers’ homes can benefit from some marketing exposure to grab the attention and interest of potential buyers in a crowded market.  Work on an effective marketing plan and budget with your client to promote the listings on the right channels and reach the most appropriate buyers. Convey the appeal of the home, utilizing Allready.ai’s technology to write eye-catching adverts for higher click through rates. 

Prepare to negotiate. Set a competitive price based on comparable properties in the area and the current market conditions. Even if the seller has a competitive price, the buyer will still attempt to negotiate, given the market being in their favor.  Work with your client to determine your negotiating strategy from the onset and ensure they are willing to be flexible in order to get a good deal and close. 

Buying in a seller’s market

There are several disadvantages to buying a home in a seller’s market with some of the most obvious concerning the price. In this market, sellers can expect to receive multiple offers and will be able to demand a higher price, which they are likely to get. But if the client requires a new home, consider the following tips so they can make a successful purchase even in a tough market. 

Search for properties with high ROI potential. To ensure a potentially high return on investment, it is important for buyers to be strategic about the location of their home purchase.  Search for properties in areas with growing demand. The higher the demand for properties is, the more likely prices will rise. This may be the buyers’ chance to strike a good deal before prices hit their peak. 

Even if the demand for properties in a particular neighborhood is currently low, consider the possibility for future growth.  Signals of promising prospects can include upward trends in population growth and employment rate as well as plans for new development or infrastructure improvements that could drive up demand in the future. 

Be ready to act quickly. Your offer and the process of closing the deal must be handled promptly, as other offers may also be on the table. Buyers need to be ready to act on a good opportunity before it disappears. Help your clients be prepared, this can entail having a pre-approval letter from a lender and removing other roadblocks from them being able to make offers on short notice.

Selling in a Seller’s market

To make the most of a seller’s market, sellers will find it beneficial to work with a knowledgeable and experienced realtor so they are aware of how high they can ask for and which offers merit further consideration. To ensure the best outcome for your clients, it is important to work with them to practice patience. They should learn to avoid accepting the first offer that comes their way, in case a better offer comes along later. 

To effectively advise and represent your clients as a real estate agent, it is important to be knowledgeable about the current value of the property. Staying informed may require seeking the advice of community leaders, industry experts, lenders, and other members of your professional network.

Timing the real estate market is a complex and often unpredictable process. By understanding the factors that influence the market and using the strategies outlined in this article, you can provide valuable guidance and support to your clients.  Clients have to navigate the buying and selling process in a market that fluctuates day by day. So, as a real estate agent, it is key to master the timing of the housing market. Doing so, you can effectively help your clients achieve their goals and generate more business from their positive reviews and referrals. 

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