Buyer Activity Has Slowed Down, But Only Somewhat, As Fall Arrives

[Published Oct. 10, 2013, in the Jeffco editions of the Denver Post's YourHub section]

People are under the impression that real estate is seasonal — that spring and summer are the selling seasons for real estate. The fact is that while more homes sell during those times of year, people are buying homes year-round.

I remember when Rita and I got married in June 2004, we decided to take our honeymoon in November.  That was the slowest summer of my real estate career, and when we went to Paris in November, I was smart enough to take a Vonage phone with me, and to forward my cell phone to it.  We had our days free to explore Paris, and in the evening — daytime in Denver — my phone was ringing off the proverbial hook.  I listed one home and sold another during those two weeks, which more than paid for the honeymoon, much less the Vonage phone! 

The chart below shows the past year’s “seasonality,” if you can call it that. Last March and April saw the height of buyer activity throughout the metro area. It slowed down as summer progressed. But, even now, homes that are priced right are still selling quickly and often for full price.