Is It Time To Put Your House Back on the Market?
If you took your house off the market in late 2024, you’re not the only one. According to CoreLogic and the Wall Street Journal, nearly 73,000 homes were pulled from the market in December alone – that’s more than any other December going back to 2017.
Whether it was because offers weren’t coming in, the holidays were hectic, or you were waiting to see if the market would improve in the new year – many homeowners hit pause.
Now that spring is here, it’s the perfect time to start preparing your home for the market. While other regions may already be seeing a surge in listings, Martha’s Vineyard’s season is just beginning—giving you a head start to position your property ahead of the summer rush.
Why Now Could Be the Right Time
Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, notes that many sellers who stepped back late last year may have been waiting to try again this spring:
“Another reason for a step back could be that sellers wanted to wait and see how spring home buying season goes, and if mortgage rates fall, which would bring more home buyers and competition back in the market.”
Spring typically brings the year’s highest buyer demand. People start house hunting as the weather warms, aiming to move in by summer. And while mortgage rates haven’t plummeted, they have eased recently—enough to spark new buyer interest. Since January, activity has been picking up.
Why This Timing Matters Even More on Martha’s Vineyard
Here on the Vineyard, timing is everything—and it works a little differently than the mainland. Our true selling season starts later. While it might be technically spring, the island doesn’t fully green up until June. That’s when buyers start flooding in and homes show at their absolute best.
If you’re planning to sell, aligning with Martha’s Vineyard’s unique seasonal rhythm is key. And that’s where Compass’s smart marketing strategy really shines.
Compass’s 3-Phased Marketing Strategy—Perfectly Timed for the Vineyard
1. Private Exclusive (April):
Quietly test the waters by sharing your property with Island agents and their clients—without listing it publicly (not on Zillow, realtor.com, etc). This gives you time to prep and gather feedback while avoiding the dreaded “days on market” counter.
2. Coming Soon (May):
Let the world know your home is on its way. This teaser phase gets buyers excited and allows us to build early momentum right as interest starts to heat up.
3. Go Live (Just Before Memorial Day):
We officially launch your listing just ahead of the island’s busiest season, giving it maximum exposure throughout the entire summer while buyers are actively touring properties.
Looking to Sell Quickly and Skip the Wait?
Not everyone can wait for the peak season—and that’s totally okay. If your goal is to get under contract quickly, The O’Hanlon Group has you covered.
We use AI-powered photo enhancement to make your property look like summer—even if it's still a bit gray outside. Think green grass, full foliage, and bright skies. This technology allows us to market your home now, with visuals that resonate with seasonal buyers, without waiting for the actual summer bloom.
You’ll be able to list sooner, attract more attention, and get buyers dreaming of July evenings on the porch—even if it’s only March.
O'HANLON GROUP LISTING - ORIGINAL PHOTO
O'HANLON GROUP LISTING - AFTER AI
Let’s Make This Your Year to Sell
If your home didn’t sell last year, spring is your second chance—and we’re here to make the most of it. Whether you want to go live now or prepare for the June bloom, the O’Hanlon Group can guide you with expert timing, powerful marketing, and a deep understanding of what makes the Martha’s Vineyard market tick.
Let’s talk strategy—and get your home sold. 🏡
