When to List Your Home for the Highest Offers

​According to a recent analysis by Realtor.com, the optimal time to sell your home in 2025 will be the week of April 13–19th. Homes listed during this period are expected to achieve higher selling prices, face reduced competition, and sell faster than average.​ Here’s why they consider that week ideal:

• Listings typically see a 1.1% increase in pricing compared to the average week.

• Properties often sell nine days quicker than the annual average.

• Sellers can expect 13% fewer competing listings.

Ralph’s Take

Buyers are entering the market early to get ahead of rising competition, yet many sellers have yet to list, keeping demand high and supply lower than it will be later in the season. To take full advantage of these conditions, sellers should start preparing their homes in advance. This means prioritizing necessary repairs, staging effectively, and pricing strategically to attract serious buyers and maximize their sale.

Westchester Weekly Market Tracker 📈

• ‘Coming Soon’ Listings: 16 ↓-5

• New Listings:  227 ↓-16

• Price Reductions: 44 ↓-26

• Pending Sales:  203 ↑+52

• Closed Sales: 117 ↑+17

💰 Highest Sale: 123-127 Westwood Dr, Bedford Corners: $8.3M (4% above ask)

_{Property Type: Single-Family. OneKey MLS, Inc. 2/28/25 - 3/7/25.}

Reader Q&A: Sellers 🙋‍♀️

Is it worth making upgrades or should we sell “as-is”?

It all depends on your home’s condition and how it compares to the competition. I never recommend my sellers spend money on upgrades unless there’s a clear return on investment. Small cosmetic changes, like fresh paint, updated lighting, or minor kitchen and bathroom touch-ups, can add value. But major renovations don’t always pay off; I sold a home with a brand-new kitchen a few years ago — the buyers hated it and tore it out after closing. A pre-listing consultation can help determine which updates, if any, will boost your home's appeal and selling price.

We tried selling our home but didn’t like the offers. What should we do differently?

Here are a few issues that could have impacted your offers:

• Availability: Was your home easy to show? Limited availability, requiring your agent to be present, or skipping an open house could have reduced buyer traffic and interest.

• Marketing & Exposure: Did your listing reach the right audience? High-quality photos, video tours, and strong online visibility make a big difference in attracting serious buyers.

• Pricing Strategy: Was your home priced competitively? If buyers saw it as too high, they may have skipped it, leading to fewer showings and as a result: weaker offers.

Additionally, if feedback from previous buyers indicated concerns — whether about condition, layout, or pricing — addressing these issues can lead to stronger offers. I recommend a strategic launch with targeted advertising to maximize exposure and generate early momentum.

We want to move, but there’s nothing to buy. We feel locked in.

Many homeowners feel "locked in" by their sub-4% mortgage rates, but if that’s not a concern for you, or if you’ve outgrown your current home, now may be a great time to sell. With inventory remaining low, buyers are more open to seller-friendly terms such as an extended closing date. Alternatively, we can start preparing your home now with — photographs, videography, floorplans, and marketing materials — so that when you find your next home, we can list yours immediately and aim for a same-day closing. It can happen!

Ralph’s Take

Thank you, Nancy, Douglas, and Ben, for your fantastic questions! 🎉 I hope you all enjoy the digital Amazon gift cards coming your way! 🎁 For those who submitted other seller-related questions, check your inbox — I’ve already emailed answers to you! 🙌

Early Signs Buyer Demand Is Picking Up

More buyers are jumping back into the market – and that means it may be time for you to do the same thing. Mortgage applications are up, demand is growing, and home showings are increasing. Those are signs that serious buyers are active today.

If the right buyer walked through your door tomorrow, would you be ready?

Mortgage Watch 📉

Today’s average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.81% (⬆️ .11%, from this time last week).

_{> The rate you may be eligible for can vary greatly from the daily average published via Mortgage News Daily.}

Westchester Events 🍀

Friday, March 14th

• 3/14: County Golf Courses Open: Hudson Hills and Mohansic

• 3/14: Irish-American Heritage Month Recognition, New Rochelle

• 3/14: Luck of the Hill, Yonkers

• 3/14: Murder Mystery, Elmsford

• 3/14: Westchester Women’s Summit, White Plains

Saturday, March 15th - Sunday, March 16th

• 3/15: Lepre-Con, Yonkers

• 3/15: Leprechaun Trap-Making Class, Scarsdale

• 3/15: Peekskill St. Patrick’s Day Parade

• 3/15: The Weir Ghost Stories, Sleepy Hollow

• 3/16: Artists in Conversation, Katonah

• 3/16: Eastchester St. Patrick’s Day Parade

• 3/16: Tarrytown St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Continuing Events

• Thru 3/18: Flip Circus, Yonkers

Spring Guides 🌻

Questions about the market or your home’s value?

Reply, call, or text message me anytime at (914) 202-1101.

2024 List to Sell Ratios: MLS: 100.5% - Ralph: 105.6%

2024 Average Days on Market: MLS: 58 - Ralph: 25