If you look at our usual spring calendar, you’ll notice one Sunday when our open house schedule slows down dramatically: the day of the annual Celebrate Israel Parade on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.

That’s not a coincidence.

While this time of year is prime real estate season—and in most markets, this Sunday would be a perfect day to showcase homes—our office usually steps back. A large percentage of our client/customer base is out marching with their children, their schools and their communities. They’re waving flags, taking pictures and celebrating something bigger than any one transaction.

Personally, this Sunday always brings back poignant memories. My mom, who was born in Jerusalem and came to the USA at the age of 7, used to come in from Brooklyn and leap over the parade barricades when she spotted my kids marching proudly with Yavneh Academy. She would get up close for a hug with her grandchildren, I would snap a quick photo, and then we all linked arms and marched together for a few blocks. She never wanted to miss a moment—and neither do many of our clients.

That’s why, for the most part, we press pause. We’ll be back in full swing the following Sunday with a lineup of open houses. I must confess, however, that this year we’re making one small exception: We’ve scheduled a late-day open house for those who still want to catch a showing after the festivities at the parade wind down. (1305 Dickerson Road, 2-4 p.m.).

It might seem strange to hold back during the busiest real estate season of the year. But in our community, timing is everything—and so is knowing your buyers.

Nechama Polak is the broker of record and owner of V&N Group LLC, located at 1401 Palisade Avenue in Teaneck. Send your thoughts and comments to nechamapolak@gmail.com or call 201 826 8809.