Dear Jan: I know that homes sell best in the summer so I am planning ahead. Is it too early to meet with an agent? I want to be here until school gets out but not the whole summer.

— JSF

Dear JSF: You are wise to plan ahead.

By meeting with your real estate broker now, you can be prepared for what is to come. Your broker will be able to help you know which projects are important to get done before your home goes on the market. You will be able to discuss pricing, but know that your broker will need to update their market analysis and pricing strategy as the time gets closer for you to sell.

Because timing is important to you, your broker will be able to advise you as to when to list your home. If you are in a hot market and your home is in great condition and priced right, it will move fast. Therefore, a late spring listing date might work for you. If you are in a slower market, early spring may be the answer.

My years of experience have shown me summer is actually a slower marketing time as people are involved with their lives, like graduations, weddings, July 4, vacations, etc. Therefore, spring is a better time to sell.

Seems like a new year brings new real estate goals. Speaking of which … Happy New Year’s to all KCN readers!

— Jan Zufelt is an agent with John L. Scott Real Estate in Kingston.