Investing in Vacation Rental Properties: Choosing Location

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Considering more millennial families are traveling than ever before and airlines are expanding to new destinations, investing in a vacation rental property has tons of potential. 

But no matter if you see owning a vacation rental as a fun side project or a full-time pursuit, picking the right property is crucial. RealtyHive is starting a blog series on vacation rentals to help you make the best decision. To kick off this series, we’re covering location.

What should I look for in vacation rental property location?

This all depends on the intent of your rental — in other words, the purpose that it serves.

City

If the city is your guests’ main attraction, you’ll want to own a place in the city — not outside of it. Whereas long-term tenant renters might find a place outside of the city more attractive and affordable, vacationers want to proximity to the heart of the action. 

An exception to this is if your place is close to fast and easy public transport that makes the city super accessible. This can also work if you’re just outside of the city but have a highly appealing property (like this gorgeous home in Florida), something unique that’s not found in typical downtown rentals.

Remote

Sometimes we all just need to get away. A cabin in Upper Peninsula Michigan, a secluded home in beautiful California, or any other property that serves as a place of respite has tons of appeal.

Views, beautiful landscape, and access to outdoor activities (such as canoeing or hiking) are all essential. Most people won’t rent a place in the middle of nowhere. Even if a retreating renter does nothing besides hang out at your vacation rental, they’ll take comfort in having options.

Some other recommendations to make your remote rental a success:

  • Stock up on board games
  • Provide bikes, snowshoes, a kayak, or anything else that’s fitting for your area
  • Include a list of nearby hikes or things to do
  • Keep kitchen essentials like spices and cooking utensils on hand in case guests want to cook in.

Beach or Mountain

It doesn’t matter if it’s a property in Jamaica, a Belizean condo, or a snow-covered chateau. When people want a beach or mountain vacation, they want to be close to that which they seek.

Aim for on the beach or less than 5 minutes away (walking), and if you can get a property with views of the ocean, even better. For mountains, those stunning views and proximity to a ski hill or cross country/snowshoe trails is also essential. If looking to buy near a ski hill, aim for 15-30 minutes or less (driving).

We should also note: lakes don’t always have beaches, but that doesn’t rule out their desirability! If you’re going for a lake property, get one that’s either on the lake (especially true for private/smaller lakes) or walking distance to a lake that’s more public (think beaches, boat rentals, etc.).

Do I need to live near my vacation rental property?

The benefits of living near your rental are that you can manage things yourself, save money (you won’t have to pay a management company), and can quickly respond if an issue arises. You can fix problems instead of leaving the matter in the hands of others. Bad service leads to bad ratings, which affects your potential for future renters (and subsequent profit).

The drawbacks of living near your rental are mostly if you don’t live in a highly attractive destination for tourists. If you’re not in the best vacation spot, finding a more desirable place is in your best interests.

How close should the property be to all the action?

We covered this a little bit in what to look for in a vacation rental property, but the answer is right there or really close. Even if the point of your rental is for people to get away from it all, a property can still be “right there” in terms of a remote location.

Whether looking for your first or fifth investment property, search through RealtyHive’s listings! With properties all over the world, there’s no limit to your vacation rental potential. Look for a perfectly located real estate investment today.

What to Do With Real Estate When Getting Divorced

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Divorce is no easy topic to talk about. No matter if you’re glad for the split or devastated, divorce can be extremely hard. Sharing property usually only complicates the matter.

Nevertheless, if you’re trying to figure out what to do with your house during a divorce, let this blog serve as a guide. No matter what route you go down, know that we at RealtyHive are thinking of you, and wish you all the best.

Option 1: Continue owning the home together.

Sometimes marriages end amicably (or at the very least, without too much bitterness or resentment). If that’s the case, continuing to co-own your home isn’t out of the ballpark for dealing with real estate during a divorce.

This can work really well if it’s for a rental home or other investment property. It’s significantly more challenging (though not impossible) to navigate if it’s the home you’re both currently living in. Keep in mind that your emotional well-being is of the utmost importance. Don’t feel the need to force co-ownership if it’s more hassle than harmonious.

Option 2: One person stays in the house.

If both parties are deadset on staying in the house, here are a few scenarios to keep in mind.

When Kids Are Involved

While custody battles can be nightmarish, children often make determining who stays in the house at least a little easier. Typically, the parent who spends the most time with the kids (or who’s granted the majority of custody) will be allowed to stay in the house, if the house is in both parties’ names.

When One Person Owns the House

If the house is property of just one person, they might have the right to stay in the house. Separate property and a person’s right to them depends on the state you live in and date of purchase (see “equitable distribution” below).

When Both People Own the House (and Don’t Have Kids)

You and your spouse might reach an agreement of who gets to live in (and potentially own) the house. If that’s the case, good for both of you and your ability to effectively mediate.

However, many people are not in that boat, and that’s OK. Laws on real estate and divorce vary from state to state, which brings us to Option 3:

Option 3: Sell the house.

For the record, selling your house is not a last resort, nor is it a failure. Houses can unfortunately serve as painful reminders of memories you once shared. It’s completely fine — not to mention, usually recommended — to sell and start fresh.

How selling a house in divorce works depends on your state.

Community Property

If divorcing in a state that practices community property, all property of a married person is determined as community or separate property by a judge. Community property is typically divided between the divorcing couple. Any properties deemed “separate” stay with the spouse that it belongs to (ex. a husband buys a hunting cabin in his name).

The practice of splitting community property is found in the following states:

Equitable Distribution

All other states practice equitable distribution. This means that any property gained during the marriage is divided equitably between parties. Separate property is usually taken into account as well when dividing real estate.

You might be tempted to put your home on the market in the traditional manner of selling a house. Here’s why you want to sell with RealtyHive instead:

  • Faster: Your house could sit on the market for months or longer if you sell your house the old-fashioned way. Our time-limited events are exactly that — time-limited so that you can move on faster.
  • Risk-Free. Home doesn’t sell right away? You don’t pay until your home is sold. Had a change of heart and no longer want to sell? You don’t have to accept an offer!
  • Reduce Carrying Costs. Selling faster not only helps you start fresh sooner, it reduces your time paying for mortgage, insurance, etc.

You deserve to move on. You don’t deserve to feel shackled to the past and to a home that symbolizes something you’re no longer a part of. Work with RealtyHive to sell your home during a divorce and to start the next chapter of your life.

Investing in Real Estate vs. Stocks

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To invest in real estate or in the stock market: that is the question. Investing is perhaps the greatest way to truly grow your financial portfolio. But which between property and stocks, which route should you take?

RealtyHive is here to explore both investment options. Answer the following questions to narrow your focus!

Would you rather play it safe or take some risks?

A game of cards can tell you a lot about yourself. When betting, are you more likely to put it all on the line, confident that others’ circumstances will work in your favor? Or are you more likely to hold back and bet conservatively, even if you have a great hand?

Honor whatever your comfort level is with risk-taking and investing to some degree. Especially for first-time investors, this might not be the time to go all the way in — but it’s not the time to hold everything back, either.

For some, starting out small in the stocks can feel safer because they control how much (or how little they put in). For others, investing in real estate can feel safer because it’s an asset that they can tangibly see. If you’re more comfortable putting in a lot of money off the bat, a real estate investment might be best for you.

How much time do you want to spend on your investment?

Very little? Investing in the stocks is likely your best bet, especially if you’re starting out. Whether you hire a financial advisor or simply put money in the market and monitor it, investing in stocks will take considerably less time than in real estate.

Want to make this investment a side hustle, a passion project, or a full-blown career? Real estate investing is the way to go. Flipping or renting out houses takes a lot of time. While you could eventually get to a point of hiring a team of property managers, it will take awhile to get there.

What’s your timeline — how quickly do you want to see results?

This is a bit tricky to answer because seeing a return on your investments will undoubtedly take time. However, you have more control of when you want to pull out of the stocks than real estate investing. By that, we mean you could theoretically make a profit in a single day for your stocks and decide to sell (though most financial planners wouldn’t recommend this).

It will take longer to make money in real estate. Even if you’re into flipping houses, this takes longer than profiting from day trading. Most houses take years to gain value. If you’re impatient, investing in stocks might be the better solution for you.

What can you make better guesses on?

Have you done a lot of research and feel more comfortable starting out in the stocks? Are you living in an area that’s about to become the next trendiest city to live? It’s truly up to you to know which investment will have the best chances of panning out — though as always, there’s no guarantee.

What’s your end goal?

When do you want to retire? What’s the number in your bank account that you’re trying to hit? Where are you trying to travel to? What lifestyle are you trying to live? 

Figuring out your goals is a crucial piece to investing. If you love the idea of making small gains (and losses) over time, stocks are your best bet. If you’re looking forward to retiring with a hefty chunk of change from selling a property that has appreciated wonderfully in value, real estate is for you.

In the event that all goes well, you can make a heftier chunk of change from selling real estate later on than you can from stocks. But that comes with a hefty amount of work. Once you have some goals in mind, you’ll be more able to determine the best course of action.

We know that stocks and real estate investing are no small topics. As always, RealtyHive is driven to help people achieve their goals. Look through our listings today to find your next (or first!) investment property!

Are Tiny Houses A Good Investment?

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“We live in a tiny home.” A decade ago, this statement would have caused looks of sympathy. Now, it’s a topic of fascination and conversation — yet another example of how time changes all!

The tiny home movement has only continued to pick up speed. We all know the benefits: costs less to own and operate, takes up less space, encourages a minimalist lifestyle. But is owning a small house actually worth it? The RealtyHive blog is here to investigate.

Are tiny houses timeless, or simply trending?

Tiny houses are currently all the rage, but is this a trend that will last?

Historically, how people choose to occupy space is something that ebbs and flows. In the era of mass immigration during the 1800s, people flocked to New York by the millions, cramming into tiny apartments — sometimes shared by multiple families.

By the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th, we saw a rise in Victorian manors and people moving westward, demonstrating a shift in people’s desire for more space. Row homes and single family homes grew in popularity in the ‘50s, only for sprawling mansions and bigger homes to be the trend of the ‘80s.

Based on these trends, it’s safe to predict that if everyone had a tiny home, we’d all eventually crave something roomier (or at the very least, future generations would). The resale value of a tiny house is remarkable right now, but down the line, this might not be the case.

Minimal size = minimal lifestyle?

Most of the time, tiny homes are depicted on the outskirts — both of society and societal norms as a whole. From gorgeous treehouse bungalows to shipping container homes in the Southwest, you’ll typically find these homes in more remote areas.

That’s great for the person living off the grid or the freelancer working from home, but what about the majority of people working 9-to-5s? Many subdivisions won’t allow tiny homes — there usually is a minimum square footage requirement. Longer commutes themselves are a nuisance, but for someone trying to lessen their carbon footprint, a tiny house probably isn’t the solution.

Tiny home expenses = tiny financial impact?

Certainly, this is one of the greatest advantages to the small-house movement. Building costs are likely less than buying a more traditional single family home.

With less room to heat/cool, light, and even clean than traditional homes, tiny houses will have substantially lower operation costs. Plus, less storage means you physically won’t be able to buy more stuff. People often forget that owning a house costs much more than just the down payment and mortgage — much of this can be eliminated with a tiny home.

More people = more problems?

This question goes in two directions:

Globally: As our population continues to grow, there’s a good chance that we will simply need to adjust to living in smaller spaces. For that reason, a tiny house could still have desirability in the future and positively influence your potential for ROI.

Individually: A tiny house is great for a person or a couple. It becomes significantly more challenging for growing families. As kids get older, space becomes a priority — not to mention more “stuff” (everything from toys to school papers) begins accumulating.

What worked for two people will be a massive challenge for three or four. If having a family is important to you, a tiny home might not fit your family’s needs.

For most people, tiny homes probably won’t work in the long run. But only you can decide if this is a worthy investment and lifestyle for you. Still on board with a tiny house? Check out our vacant land for sale to find the perfect place to build (oceanfront property in Honduras, anyone?). Thinking about finding a more traditional (yet modest) house? Look through the RealtyHive listings to find your dream home!

How to Avoid Home Buyer’s Remorse

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Here’s a quick quiz for you: What percentage of millennials regret buying a house?

a. 30%
b. 49%
c. 54%
d. 68%

The answer is d. Astoundingly, more than two-thirds of millennials have home buyer’s remorse.

You might be thinking, why would a real estate company write about people wishing they hadn’t bought a house? It’s because we don’t want anyone buying a house they’ll regret. We’re writing on this issue because you can absolutely prevent home buyer’s remorse — here’s how.

Think long-term.

Many people want to buy a house for one of the following reasons:

  • A house is a crucial step in adulthood.
  • Buying a house is a good investment.
  • I don’t want to rent anymore.
  • When having a family, it’s important to have extra space.
  • I want my own property, my own space.

Most of these reasons are great reasons to buy a house. However, most of these reasons don’t remind us that a house is a massive investment.

Home buyer’s remorse is the same as regular remorse: we regret how our past decisions have impacted our future. It’s critical to think of a house in the long-term — it’s better to wait on buying a house than to rush into an investment you’re not ready for.

Think big picture.

Owning a home means affording a down payment and monthly mortgage, right? 

Not at all. A lack of planning ahead leads to a lot of home buyer’s remorse. You should put at least 1% of your home’s value into savings each year, solely for repairs and annual maintenance. You probably should wait on buying if this feels like a stretch.

If you don’t burn through all that money in a year, consider yourself lucky, and keep saving. Having to suddenly replace your home’s heating or deal with a burst pipe is a lot less intimidating when you’ve put the money away ahead of time.

Don’t put too much down on a down payment.

CNBC reported that about 40% of millennials feel like they didn’t make good financial decisions when buying a house. That’s almost half of all millennial homebuyers.

A big source of home buyer’s remorse came from spending too much on the down payment. Reports showed that one-third of millennials were dipping into their retirement funds to pay for their house. This should be avoided at all costs — and if it can’t, nine times out of 10 you should wait on buying.

While a 20% down payment might seem traditional and best for paying off your house, it’s not the only way to go. FHA loans allow you to put down 10% or less. Conventional loans can be as low as 3% down. Research your options until you feel confident in how you’ll afford your home.

Do what’s right for you.

Are you more interested in traveling and moving around? Do you want to switch jobs or careers in the next year or two? Do you see yourself settling down into a different area than where you are now? Are you worried about managing a property? Would paying for a house feel more sacrificial than rewarding?

Just because your parents, grandparents, or even friends have bought houses does not mean you have to. There’s no timeline to home ownership — you can (and should) wait if you don’t feel ready. And even if you never want to buy a house, that’s OK!

Listen to your gut.

We’ve all been there — you want to buy something, it doesn’t feel *quite* right, but we’re already committed to the idea and don’t want to back down. In the event of a house, you should absolutely back down if something feels off. 

Twenty percent of millennials felt home buyer’s remorse when they discovered damages and expensive issues after closing. Order a thorough home inspection, read up on contingencies, hire an attorney or real estate agent to help you through closing, and remember — if this house doesn’t work out, there will be another one.

At RealtyHive, we will always work to help you find the best real estate situation. Whether that means selling your house through a time-limited event, buying your first home, or even getting cash back in both the buying and selling process, we’ve got you covered. See what’s currently on the market, and work with RealtyHive to truly avoid home buyer’s remorse.

Creating a Sense of Urgency to Help Sell Your Home

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“Buy NOW!”

“Going, going GONE!”

“One day sale only!”

Urgency is a sales tactic that we see everywhere. Creating a sense of urgency is an effective way to get people to act fast. But does this sales tactic work with selling your house? 

Not to spoil it for you, but the answer is yes, absolutely! Read on to find out why.

How Selling a House Is Different From Traditional Sales

In some ways, the sense of urgency in selling a house is reversed from traditional sales. Oftentimes, those selling a house are more in a rush to get their house sold than people are to buy it.

Not to mention, houses don’t “go bad” like produce at the grocery store or seasonal clothing at a boutique. But don’t worry — there are still plenty of ways that you can create a sense of urgency when selling your house.

List a deadline.

If you’re certain that you’ll have a ton of activity on your home, you can put “Presenting all offers on ____” your listing description. This can work super well if your price is slightly underpriced because you could potentially skip negotiating offers and escalation clauses.

However, we can’t stress this enough: only do this if you’re 100% positive your home is in high demand, otherwise this can backfire.

Live in a desirable area.

Living in an area where everyone wants to live practically creates the sense of urgency for you. Many homes out West (such as in Colorado and Montana) are selling like hotcakes because there is such high demand. If you’re in the buying stage, it’s to your benefit to pick a house that’s in an up-and-coming location.

Have a desirable home.

A property that meets the needs of a specific demographic or has some amazing assets is sure to be a hot commodity. Having an energy efficient or smart home is a definite plus. So is having a space that future owners can turn into a vacation rental, such as a home with a shed that can be converted into a home.

But what if you don’t have a super desirable property?

First off, there’s nothing to be ashamed of if that’s the case. We can’t all have the hottest properties on the market, it’s just not possible! 

However, we’re going to let you in on a secret: it is possible. Working with RealtyHive is a key way to create a sense of urgency for your home sale.

List in a time-limited event with RealtyHive!

Did you know that most properties listed with RealtyHive sell before a time-limited event takes place? It’s because these events are the definition of creating a sense of urgency for your home sale. If people wait until the day of the event, they’re at risk for losing the property, or for paying a higher price.

Just like many other psychology selling tricks, you don’t need urgency to create a sense of urgency. However, successfully creating a sense of urgency massively helps your property sell. Don’t worry about becoming a sales expert — just work with RealtyHive instead when it’s time to sell your house!

Smart Home Devices to Check Out

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The Jetsons or the severely underrated Disney original movie “Smart House” portray what life is like when technology makes its way into our homes. But in present times, these movies are closer to fact than fiction. 

While everyone knows about Alexa and Google Home, these smart home devices might not be common knowledge — but they’re certainly just as cool.

RealQuick: Why update to smart home devices?

Convenience: What is technology if not an improvement on the ordinary? Some of these smart home devices (like the speaker/bath fan combo) eliminate the need for multiple appliances or technologies.

Safety: Better technology can help improve our safety. An outdated garage door can be broken into; a lack of water monitoring system could lead to mold.

Be in the Know: Living in Florida for the winter? Renting out an Airbnb in Spain? Smart home devices help you keep track of your property, even when you’re away. 

Save Money: Smart thermostats are just one of the many forms of technology that improve energy efficiency. The more energy you save, the more money you save.

Bluetooth Speaker/Bath Fan Combo

Bluetooth speakers are great, but installing them in with your bath fan is next level. Bathrooms need fans to properly ventilate steam and moisture. This combination would be perfect for listening to your favorite album or podcast while taking a blissfully long shower, with the added benefit of clearing out all that humidity!

Smart Garage

Most garages operate remotely, but it’s getting better than ever. Smart garages allow you to open a garage door from a phone, tablet, or desktop, anywhere in the world! This is not just convenient for families, it also adds a layer of protection. 

Certain garage openers and garages can also automatically open or close once you leave or arrive home. You’ll never have to wonder if you remembered to close the garage door again.

Water Monitor

The average household with leaks leads to more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year. This isn’t environmentally friendly, but it also isn’t very wallet-friendly, either. Oftentimes, we don’t realize we have leaks until there’s something noticeable (like a faucet or the development of mold).

Water monitors nowadays can both detect and even stop leaks from happening. This saves you countless dollars in repairs and wasted energy bills.

Smart Thermostat

Sure, you can program many thermostats to certain temperatures at certain times of day. But what about when you come home from a trip at a weird hour, or something else unexpected comes up?

Smart thermostats use an app on your phone to allow you to program your thermostat, whenever and wherever. Many also connect Alexa or Google Home so that your thermostat is voice-activated. Not too shabby for when you’re sick on the couch and don’t want to move!

Another benefit to adding all these smart home devices? You’ll improve your home’s value. A smart home is a major selling point in the market, and listing with RealtyHive makes the selling process easier than ever. Find your new home or sell your existing one with RH!

How to Afford a House

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Buying a house is supposed to be this wonderful rite of passage. But for most Millennials (this writer included), it seems nearly impossible. Between paying off student loans, falling into the cycle of rent, managing bills and car payments, it seems like we’ll never get ahead.

The good news is that if you want to own a home, you can start preparing for a down payment now. You might not be ready to afford a house today, but your dreams of becoming a homeowner are far from over.

Work on your credit score.

The better your score, the better loan you can qualify for, and the lower your monthly payment will be. You can save hundreds of dollars a month, all by having a great credit score. For reference:

  • Good: 670 – 739
  • Very Good: 740 – 799
  • Exceptional: 800 – 850

Aim for “Very Good” at the very least. Keep up on your monthly credit statements, pay all bills on time, and try not to use a credit card unless you can quickly pay things off.

Get pre-approved.

It seems silly, but you can’t own a house without buying one. Pre-approval for a loan is an important step in the process of affording a house. These days, a pre-approval letter from a lender is usually required, even before touring a house.

Pre-approval also gives you a chance to seriously reflect on your finances. You’ll need at least 2 years’ worth of tax returns, paycheck stubs, W2s, and bank statements, among other documents.

Research your loan and down payment options.

One of the biggest things that Millennial homebuyers regret is spending too much on the down payment. While it’s typically recommended by Baby Boomers to put much more down on a house, this might not be the best route for you — nor is it the only route.

FHA loans allow you to put down 10% or less — the exact number depends on your credit score. These loans are popular among first-time homebuyers, particularly when they don’t have the savings to put down one-fifth of a house. Check out our blogs on saving money when buying a home and other types of loans for more solutions!

Work out your budget.

Research homes in the area you want to live and think about not only what you like, but what you can afford. Here are some important considerations:

  • Monthly Mortgage Payment: Is it just going to be you paying for a mortgage? Are you moving in with a significant other, spouse, or friend? Factor in who will be paying — and what they can afford — when budgeting for a house.
  • Property Taxes: Unless you live in Hawaii, Alabama, Louisiana, or a few other lucky states, be ready to pay upwards of 2.25% in property taxes (looking at you, New Jersey).
  • Little Fixes: Unlike renting, you won’t have a landlord to take care of that leaky faucet. Build up a savings account to dip into when small things occur.
  • Big Fixes: Replacing the roof, updating to new appliances, landscaping the backyard — plan on setting aside at least 1% of your home’s value every year.

Start now…

So many homebuyers think “I’ll start saving once I pay off my loans” or “I’ll look into pre-approval once I get a better paying job,” or even “I’ll learn about buying a house once I’m in the city where I want to live.” 

Our advice is to start much sooner than you think you’re ready. Best case scenario, you end up with a house you love! Worst case scenario, life doesn’t change and you’re not a homeowner, but you’re more prepared to move in that direction. You don’t have to buy just because it becomes an option, but putting things off — especially if a good deal is in front of you now — could end up costing you more.

…but be smart!

Countless Millennials who regret buying a house tapped into their retirement savings to afford the down payment. This is rarely a smart move. If your only options for home ownership involve bad loans, bad properties, or bad financial decisions, wait on buying. Reassess what you need to do to improve your ability to afford a house — without the buyer’s remorse.

Buying a house should be exciting! RealtyHive works to make that happen. From real estate listings, time-limited events, and even options to help homebuyers get cash back, RealtyHive is the place to go when you’re ready to afford a house. Look through our listings today!

How to Lose Money in Real Estate

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We’ve talked about how you can make money in real estate, but what are some ways this investment can backfire? By knowing how people can lose money in real estate, you’ll be better prepared to make a good investment.

Market Downturns

This is one of the most well-known ways of how a good home purchase can turn into a bad real estate investment. The impacts of the 2008 housing market crash are still felt by many today.

The good news is that a housing bubble and subsequent bursts can be tracked. There are no guarantees, but even in the years leading up to 2008’s crash, many people were already nervous about where home prices were headed. Read up and stay informed on the state of the housing market to help make good real estate investments.

Bad Neighbors

While you might be able to put up with the Urkels and Kramers of the world, future buyers probably won’t. From nearby factories to neighbors who care little for their curb appeal, bad neighbors can negatively impact your home sale.

Bad History

A death in your house — even if occurring naturally, and even if from a previous owner — spooks people from wanting to buy. Unfortunately, there are enough horror movies to scare potential buyers from wanting a home with some, erm, history.

Going Over the Top

Rapper 50 Cent had to take around an 80% cut on his mansion. Michael Jordan still hasn’t sold his Chicago home. The more over-the-top your place, the more niche your buying market becomes. This inevitably lessens your chances of selling.

Some personalized details to your home are OK, but there’s a fine line between “unique” and “eccentric.” Before making any substantial changes, remember to think with a seller’s mindset — you won’t own this home forever.

Too ________

Too big, too much carpet, too many cobwebs, too little closet space, etc. Buyers are like Goldilocks — they want a property that’s juuuust right. Keep up on current trends to know what buyers are looking for. 

And remember — if there are things that bother you about your property, they’ll likely bother others. It’s better to make those changes now and increase your home’s value when it’s time to sell.

If you’re reading this list and wailing at all the boxes your home checks, don’t despair! RealtyHive offers time-limited events to make selling easier. Even if you’re ready to get rid of your home as-is, we’re the ones to call. Sell with RealtyHive for a stress-free process.

Here’s Why Selling a House in Fall Won’t “Leaf” You High & Dry

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Depending where you live, telling people you’re selling your house in fall leads to a plethora of concerns. “Are you sure?” or “Are you desperate?” are some of the questions that will inevitably come your way.

But RealtyHive is here to tell otherwise. In most cases and most events, selling your home in the fall is A-OK.

RealQuick: Why do many think it’s bad to sell in the fall?

For a long time, the window to sell houses was unofficially in the spring and summer. As soon as you got to October, many believed it was better to hold off until the following spring to sell.

The reasons for this were intertwined. For a very long time, there were fewer buyers — it was more difficult to look at houses and move in winter, plus many families didn’t want to disrupt school schedules.

Fewer buyers meant lower sales prices, and it also meant longer waiting periods. Anyone who’s sold a house knows that an indefinite wait period throws a wrench into their own moving and buying plans. The result? Why wait months to sell when you can just plan on selling in spring?

What’s Changed Now

Because the market’s changed so much, the best time to sell a house is when you want to sell. Here’s why selling your house in the fall isn’t going to leave you high and dry for the next six months:

The market is still hot.

Anyone who pops on a real estate listing database can clearly see how many houses are up for sale. The demand to sell no longer wavers based on the season — and neither does the demand to buy. This means that prices will still be high, and your chances of selling for a fair price are good.

There could be fewer wintry worries.

Holding off until spring to sell your house means that you could face winter problems that require fixing — problems you wouldn’t have had to deal with, had you sold in the fall. Burst pipes, broken furnaces — no one wants to deal with that.

Not to mention, if you’re waiting to sell but already have another property, imagine shoveling two driveways. No one wants to shovel two driveways.

The photos will be so much better.

The better the photos, the better your chances of selling. And what looks better: a house surrounded by barren trees that looks sad and depressed like we all do come March (warm climates excluded)? Or a house that’s framed by crisp, autumnal trees with gorgeous leaves? 

Your fall photos > winter or early spring photos. Potential buyers will show greater interest in pictures that truly show the beauty of your home.

The holidays make time speed up.

Well, not scientifically, but when do November and December not seem to fly by? If you list and sell in fall, you could spend the holiday season in a brand new house instead of stressing over selling a few months later. For all we know, you could actually roast chestnuts over a built-in fireplace in your new home — but only if you list in the fall.

Fall is a time of letting things go. Just as the trees shed their leaves, it’s time for you to trust the season and list your home for sale. If you’re worried about selling in a timely manner, let our time-limited events work in your favor! With resources like Cashifyd offering cash back to sellers and a time-efficient selling process, RealtyHive does it all. List with us today!