Happy (almost) springtime, friends! As the old saying goes, March usually comes “in like a lion, out like a lamb”—suggesting that any remaining wintry, stormy weather will likely give way to more springlike days as this month unfolds. (Granted, we’ve already been experiencing many of those milder days in Tennessee.)

On the real estate front, that saying might work better in reverse. In some ways, this month is “in like a lamb, out like a lion”—that is, March marks a critical, momentum-building month in which inventory typically starts to increase, spring fever inspires folks to get outside more, buyer activity ticks up, and REALTORS focus on establishing market position before the summer peak arrives a few months from now.

Here in Eastern Middle Tennessee, EMTAR’s members are always working hard to serve their buyer and seller clients throughout Wilson, Smith, and Dekalb counties. So this month, as their commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards (as set forth in the REALTOR Code of Ethics) remains ever steadfast, they, too, are zooming in on the coming warmer, busier season for home sales.

Here are just a few of the reasons why this month tends to be a pivotal 31 days on the real estate front.

1. Market uptick. March typically ushers in one of the largest monthly increases in home sales, setting the tone for the upcoming summer and the rest of the year.

2. Rising inventory and demand. As winter ends (see you later, ice storm—much later!), more homes hit the market and buyer demand tends to surge, creating a higher-energy, more vibrant and competitive market.

3. Seasonal psychological shift. Warmer weather and increased sunlight—Daylight Saving Time starts this Sunday, March 8, y’all, woo!—boost seller motivation and buyer optimism. Spring brings real estate back to the top of people’s minds and makes everyone more upbeat, decisive, and ready for change.

4. School and work timelines. Families and professionals are starting their search now to align with summer relocation (and vacation) plans and school schedules for the next academic year. And, as we know, one of the many assets that draw folks to move to our area is the presence of outstanding schools.

5. REALTORS eager to assist. Finally, in the spring and in every season, wise home shoppers and those looking to sell their property will benefit from engaging the services of a REALTOR to help them navigate what, for most people, is the largest and most complex transaction they will ever undertake. As always, our EMTAR members stand ready to serve the needs of buyers and sellers throughout the entire process, from the first steps to the closing table and beyond.

As your local REALTOR Association, EMTAR has the privilege of serving alongside our members as their “partner in success,” providing a full menu of resources (from education and networking to advocacy and celebrations) designed to deepen and broaden their expertise and excellence.

Please stay tuned for next week’s post in our March series, “A Sweet Spot for Sellers in Springtime.”

In the meantime, may your days be a fruitful and productive, filled with increasing warmth and sunshine, and seasoned with the joy of friendship as you go about your endeavors here in our beautiful region of the Volunteer State.

About EMTAR: Chartered in 1969, our Association’s 1,200+ REALTORS are a proud part of the 36,000+ members of Tennessee REALTORS and of the 1.5 million+ members of NAR, all working to serve the public and protect the rights of America’s property owners. EMTAR members are known not only for their unmatched real estate excellence and high ethical standards, but also for being generous, hospitable, others-focused, loyal, hardworking, and eager to help wherever and whenever help is needed.