Has your home been on the market longer than you expected? If your home’s listing is lingering without the activity you anticipated, it’s only natural to feel frustrated and even tempted to pull back until the new year. But while it might seem wise to take a break, the reality is that keeping your home on the market now could be a better strategy. Here’s why staying the course may be the move you didn’t realize you needed.

Other Sellers Are Stepping Back. Should You?

New data from Altos Research shows a recent increase in sellers withdrawing their listings—a seasonal trend typical for this time of year. Fall often brings a decline in inventory as some sellers decide to wait until the new year, creating a seasonal slowdown in new listings.

Mike Simonsen, Founder of Altos Research, describes this shift:

“. . . 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 In fact, for every two sales, there is another listing withdrawn from the market.”

While it might feel logical to follow suit, here’s why you might want to take the opposite approach this year.

Today’s Buyers Are Serious and Ready To Act

The primary reason to keep your home on the market is the caliber of buyers currently searching. Fall buyers tend to be serious and motivated—they’re not casually looking. Instead, they’re seeking homes now to settle in before the holidays or before winter weather impacts moving plans.

This year, falling mortgage rates have created even more motivation among these buyers. Mortgage applications are rising, signaling renewed interest from those who may have been waiting for affordability to improve. According to Freddie Mac:

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

By keeping your home listed, you increase your chances of connecting with motivated buyers ready to make quick decisions—a key factor that can work in your favor in the current market.

Bottom Line

While many sellers are choosing to take their homes off the market, staying listed could help you tap into an active buyer pool that’s ready to move forward now. Let’s connect to make sure your home attracts the right buyers and to craft a strategy to make the most of this season’s unique market conditions.