Why Now’s Not the Time To Take Your House Off the Market

Why Now’s Not the Time To Take Your House Off the Market

Is your house lingering on the market longer than you anticipated? If so, it’s understandable to feel frustrated. You might even be considering pulling the listing and waiting to see what 2025 brings. However, what you may not realize is that delaying your sale could end up costing you. Here’s why sticking with your listing could be the wiser choice.

Other Sellers Are Pulling Back. Should You Hold Off Too?

Recent data from Altos Research shows a rise in the number of withdrawn listings, meaning more sellers are choosing to take their homes off the market right now. This trend isn’t uncommon for this time of year.

The housing market experiences natural seasonal shifts. As we move into the fall, inventory levels often decrease, with some sellers postponing their plans until the new year. Mike Simonsen, Founder of Altos Research, explains it well:

“. . . we’re seeing a more normal seasonal pattern now with inventory beginning to decline. We’re also seeing more home sellers withdrawing their listings to try again next year. In fact, for every two sales, there is another listing withdrawn from the market.”

But is pulling your listing really the best move? While it might seem like a sensible option, here’s why that strategy may not work in your favor this year.

Today’s Buyers Are Serious and Ready To Act

The main reason to stay the course and sell now is that the buyers currently in the market are serious about purchasing.

They've been on the sidelines, waiting for affordability to improve, and now that mortgage rates have dropped from their recent highs, they're ready to take action. Mortgage applications are on the rise, which is a strong signal that buyers are preparing to re-enter the market. After putting their plans on hold for so long, these buyers are even more eager than usual for this time of year.

These aren’t casual browsers—they’re highly motivated and ready to move quickly, which is exactly the kind of buyer you want. As Freddie Mac puts it:

“During the fall months, serious homebuyers are eager to settle in to a new home before the holiday season ramps up and the winter weather begins.”

By keeping your home on the market, you boost your chances of attracting buyers who are genuinely ready to make a purchase.

Bottom Line

While some sellers are opting to pull their homes off the market, this may not be the smartest move. With serious buyers actively looking, now is an excellent time to sell. Let’s connect and ensure we have a solid strategy in place to help you make the most of this opportunity.