Will the best time to sell your home be different this year?

Forbes says that the peak time for home sales won't be the traditional early summer period when its easiest for families to move without distrupting their kids  school schedules in 2010. With the tax credit expiring in June for buyers who close on their homes by the end of April, it'll be time to sell in the spring.

It'll be interesting to see exactly how this affects different markets. The article cites unemployment nad job relocation as major reasons for off-peak sales and moves, but I think in certain climates, like Chicago, you'll still see buyers hesitant to move in January and February.

However, there will be people who have to sell off peak. The article recommends increasing the curb appeal of your home by classing up holiday decorations and keeping sidewalks shovelled. This is a great suggestions for single family homes. It can be difficult to keep a place looking nice in the Chicago winters full of salt and road cleaning, but even a semi-nice looking house will stand out if kept in good condition throughout the winter.

Putting your house on the market at the right time can also be key. If you can afford to wait until March, you may not have to drop the asking price and might get a better value for your home.