Thursday, June 19, 2025 / by Sharon St Clair
How does the time of year affect how long a luxury home stays on the market?
How Does the Time of Year Affect How Long a Luxury Home Stays on the Market?
If you’re interested in luxury homes in Pittsburgh, understanding how long it takes to sell a home can be crucial. Regarding luxury homes, things can differ slightly from the average house sale. Timing can be everything for those looking in areas like Cranberry Township, Peters Township, Upper St. Clair, Mt. Lebanon, Bethel Park, or nearby neighborhoods.
The Problem: Timing is Key in the Luxury Market
Luxury homes are special. They have unique designs, high-end finishes, and sometimes rare locations, but they don’t always sell quickly. In Pennsylvania, especially in highly desirable areas, the average time a home spends on the market is about 73 days. This can vary more for luxury homes because they attract a specific type of buyer.
Here are a few key points to consider:
- Typical Closing Time: Selling a home can take anywhere from 30 to 90 days, with 30 days being fast.
- Market Average: The average time to sell a home across the state is 108 days, which includes sitting on the market for 73 days and taking 35 days to close once an offer is accepted.
The luxury market can be even more unpredictable. To ensure a smooth process, it is essential to document all the steps accurately.
How Does Time of Year Matter?
There is no denying that some months are better than others for selling houses quickly. For instance, homes sell the fastest in May, averaging just 41 days on the market. Conversely, January sees homes sitting for as long as 73 days, the longest month.
Agitate: The Luxury Buyer’s Perspective
Luxury homes are different, and so are luxury buyers. They are looking for specific features, not just any house. This means luxury homes can sit longer until the right buyer comes along.
What This Means for Sellers
If you own a luxury home and want to sell, here is what timing means for you:
- Months Matter: Selling in spring or early summer might help you sell faster. May, for instance, is a great month to list a home.
- Be Patient: Luxury homes might take longer to find the right buyer, so patience is needed. Strategic Marketing: Work with an agent who knows the area well and can effectively present your home to potential buyers.
For the Buyers
If you’re a buyer looking for luxury, timing can still affect your strategy:
- Less Competition: Buying during winter might mean less competition from other buyers.
- More Choices: More luxury homes are available during certain months, giving you more options.
Solution: Selling Luxury Homes Efficiently
To sell a luxury home efficiently, timing and strategy are crucial. Here’s how it can be done:
Know the Best Time to Sell
Understand the benefits of selling in different seasons. Spring is often the best time because homes sell faster. Aim to list your home from April to July for the best chance of a quick sale.
Price it Right
Price the home competitively. Work with an agent who understands the local market conditions and can accurately assess comparable sales.
Enhance Curb Appeal
First impressions are essential, especially for luxury homes. Make sure your home looks its best, both outside and inside. This can mean painting the exterior or staging the interiors to highlight features that buyers in the luxury market value.
Use Professional Photography
High-quality photos can capture a buyer’s interest. Ensure your listing includes professional images showing off your home’s best features.
Partner with an Expert
Work with a seasoned real estate agent who specializes in luxury homes. They should have deep knowledge of the local market and a network that can quickly reach the right buyers.
Selling to Buyers in the Luxury Market
If you’re buying a luxury home, you also need to strategize. Here’s how you can navigate the market:
Patience Pays Off
Be ready to wait for the right home that meets your needs. Luxury homes are unique, and rushing can lead to unhappy compromises.
Be Prepared to Act
When you find the right home, be prepared to make an offer quickly. Luxury homes can still attract multiple buyers, especially in desirable areas like Cranberry Township or Upper St. Clair.
Use Your Agent’s Expertise
Sharon St. Clair can provide valuable insights into properties and trends in the local luxury market, helping you make informed decisions.
Conclusion: Timing Your Sale for Success
To sum up, selling a luxury home involves closely understanding the market’s timing. With the proper strategies, you can sell quicker and at a reasonable price. Work with experts, make your home appealing, and choose the right moments to list your property.
For buyers, timing is about patience and readiness. Knowing when more options become available or competition decreases can give you the edge in finding your perfect home.
Whether buying or selling, success in the luxury market depends on being informed, strategic, and prepared to seize the right opportunities.