Selecting the best time to sell your home could be the difference between taking a loss and getting the highest return on your investment. But when is the best time to list your home?

When the weather is nice

According to a study by , May is the best time for sellers in the U.S. to list their homes. Market research indicates that homes listed between May 1-15 sell 18.5 days faster than average listings, also selling for 1% more, which translates into an extra $1,700.

“The reason is because inventory being so tight, a lot of homebuyers are having to put in multiple offers. That is extending the length of the homebuying season, such that a lot of times later on in the season people are more eager to buy the house because they have been frustrated with earlier offers, and they are paying a little bit more money,” says Zillow Group’s Chief Economist .

Experts also suggest that more people go out to shop for homes when the weather is nice, starting in spring and continuing through the summer, which also allows them to take advantage of school holidays and vacations in an effort to minimize disruption to their lives.

What about Canada?

In Canada, spring heading into mid-fall is considered the best-selling season for similar reasons to those listed above. Shoppers want to get moved and settled before the school season, and fair weather with longer days and daylight is optimal for showings.

“It’s also usually easier to get your home ready for sale at this time of year — from painting inside or out, to the simple ability to keep the house cleaner without the winter muck being traipsed throughout every time someone walks through the front door,” notes , co-host of TV show Urban Suburban.

However, she adds that properties like townhomes and condominiums sell well throughout the year because they are typically snapped up by first-time homeowners or buyers who don’t have children.

“Often these buyers are not faced with the constraints of school catchments, and are much more interested in amenities like underground parking, recreation facilities and the nearest coffee shop. These buyers are happy to shop at any time of year, so sales will often be a bit steadier throughout,” says Daniels.

Reasons to sell during the “off-season”

Buyers shopping for homes during this time of the year are more motivated to close the deal.

“House hunters shopping in the fourth quarter tend to be more serious buyers. Some are relocating and have to move at a set time. Some are renters, who are considering their options and think they might find better prices in the winter,” says , chairman of Rockville-based multiple listing service MRIS.

And since most sellers list their homes during the warmer months for the convenience of it, sellers who opt for late fall and winter are likely to have less competition.

Furthermore, other than shoveling snow and light maintenance, you won’t have to toil over your garden during this dormant period the way you would need to during the summer.

Optimal listing times may vary based on local housing market dynamics, your circumstances, and the sellable features and condition of your home. Consult your real estate agent for the most accurate analysis and advice on when to list your home.

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You’ve found the home of your dreams, the paperwork is signed and the keys are in hand. What do you do if your new home was once shared with a four-legged friend that you or one of your family members are allergic to? Read on for tips and ideas to help everyone in your household breathe a little easier.

Use a HEPA vacuum cleaner

While bacteria, dust mites and pet dander are most often found in furniture and beds that get moved out of the home before new owners arrive, carpeting is often a haven for allergens that even thorough cleaning can leave behind. Using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter can bring relief by removing irritants from carpeting.

Install washable window treatments

Window shades and washable drapes are also a better choice for allergy sufferers, compared to long drapes and blinds that can collect dust and are more difficult to clean, according to .

Invest in new flooring

Bare floors are the best bet if you want to reduce pet allergens in your home. “Animal allergens are sticky. So you must remove the animal’s favorite furniture, remove wall-to-wall carpet and scrub the walls and woodwork,” reports the . Consider replacing old carpeting with hardwood floors or tile.

Get your air ducts professionally cleaned

Although there is no scientific evidence to support claims that air duct cleanings improve air quality, the system components of forced air systems can become contaminated with dust, pollen and other allergens. “It is surprising how much garbage you can find in your ducts,” says allergist and immunologist .

According to the  you should consider a duct cleaning if your ducts are clogged with debris and contaminants, which are then released into your home. However, the EPA also notes that service providers could further contaminate your system if they don’t clean all of the components properly, so enlisting the help of qualified professionals is key. The EPA also suggests asking your service provider about any chemical treatments that they plan to use before they do so because these practices are not backed by data.

Food for thought

Moving into a new environment can trigger allergic reactions that you’ve never experienced before. For example, affect nearly 4% of all people with allergies. Horse dander is often found hundreds of yards away from the source, which means you don’t necessarily have to own horse property yourself to be affected. Be sure to thoroughly research and explore potential neighborhoods and to ask about area allergens before closing the deal on your new house.

If you or a family member begin experiencing symptoms in a new city or environment, check in with your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. “It is important to work with your doctor to learn what triggers your allergies and determine the best treatments for you to enjoy your life unencumbered by allergies,” says Dr. Cary Sennett, AAFA’s president and CEO.

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What’s the difference between a real estate agent and a REALTOR®? Or a buyer’s agent and a listing agent? Having a glossary of real estate professionals to refer to as you navigate the home buying or selling process should come in handy.

Here’s a list of professionals that you’re likely to encounter:

Appraiser

An appraiser or assessor provides an objective estimated value of a piece of land or property, based on computations performed on market statistics and area information.  are usually certified or licensed, and are typically required for transactions that are being financed.

Attorney

A lawyer with specialized knowledge of the industry who is trained to help facilitate real estate transactions, including the buying, selling or leasing of property, land or natural resources. Real estate lawyers ensure that the letter and spirit of the law is followed, protecting the rights of their clients, while being held to the strictest ethical standards. Lawyers are not legally required in all states or provinces, with escrow officers often being used during closing instead. However, in cases with unusual terms or stipulations, seeking legal advice is recommended.

Buyer’s agent

A real estate agent who represents buyers when they purchase a home, both advocating for and guiding them through the homebuying process. Exclusive buyer’s agents do not accept sellers’ listings.

How much personal information do you need to reveal when buying a home?

Home inspector

Home inspectors perform safety and functional inspections of homes (and other pieces of real estate) to determine their condition and document any issues or areas in need of repair. Home inspectors are usually certified by governing bodies such as the , with technical requirements differing by region.

Home stager

Professional home stagers help prepare homes for sale, editing them to accentuate their appeal and possibilities when viewed by potential buyers. Home stagers also assist with the exterior appearance of homes to enhance curb-appeal.

Listing agent

Sometimes referred to as seller’s agents, these real estate agents represent the seller during the homebuying process.

Loan officer

Loan officers serve as intermediaries between creditors and borrowers, evaluating and recommending loan applications for approval. They are also referred to as mortgage loan originators.

Real estate agent

Licensed real estate professionals who represent buyers and/or sellers during real estate transactions.

Real estate broker

Licensed real estate professionals who have pursued education beyond the agent level, obtaining a broker’s license that allows them to operate a brokerage or real estate firm.

Real estate associate broker

Real estate broker who works for or under another broker.

REALTOR®

Real estate professionals who are members of the or the . These professional associations require REALTORS® to adhere to a strict code of standards and ethics, on which their membership is dependent.

Seller’s agent

Sometimes referred to as buyer’s agents, these real estate agents represent buyers during the homebuying process.

Title company representative

Review titles to pieces of real estate to ensure that they are legitimate and fit for transfer. Title representatives also issue title insurance once the title is found to be valid.

Find more real estate terms: Easy as A, B, C

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