Why List in the Fall and Winter

If you'd like to sell but wonder if Listing now is better, or waiting until Spring is better, consider this Question first:

“If you DID get an acceptable offer during Nov-Feb, would you want to sell the property?”

If the answer is YES, then we can go into some of the great reasons why LISTING NOW may be better than waiting!

1. Inventory of competing homes is lower, so your home stands out better with serious buyers, who have less to choose from. Your odds of selling may actually go UP during this time of year! A LOT of people feel just like you... and don’t understand that there will be FLOOD of new listings on the market after the holidays... And that increased supply without an equal increase in demand, can cause prices to take a dip again. If you want to sell for the most money possible, now may be the best the time!
2. Only serious buyers are out in the fall/winter, so fewer people are running through your house... Yet, you may be likely to get a contract from those that do come through! And think about how fantastic it will be to have this all finished when others are just getting started.
3. Taking photos in the fall can be a big asset - they look great on the internet, MLS, and flyers before the winter sets in. A photo taken in Jan/Feb/March may not be as attractive as one in Nov/Dec.
4. Your home may show better while decorated for Thanksgiving and Christmas or Hanukkah. Your home may look nicer this time of year than any other! Why not have potential buyers see it while it looks it’s best? Fireplaces, evergreens, scented candles, warmth on a cold day... All can add to the beauty inside when it’s not so pretty outside. That contrast can equal a sale!
5. It’s OK to specify for “no showings” during certain times over the holidays. The lockbox can even be removed. Because you’re planning a few holiday events is no reason to not be for sale the rest of the time!
6. Houses feel more like “homes” when you come in from the cold weather. This cozy feeling causes emotions in a Buyer you can’t get other times of the year.
7. People stay home more in colder weather and online searches go way up. With today’s technology and my expertise in marketing your home online, the chances you get sold before the 1st of the year rise in November/December.
8. Buyers who buy closer to the end of the year often pay closer to full price than other times of the year, as they are often buying under a deadline, so have less time to negotiate and less inventory to choose from, getting you the BEST price.
9. Buyers have more day-times off during mid-November through January, increasing serious buyer traffic during normal business hours verses showings during your evenings and weekends.
10. Buyers at this time often have an “urgency factor”. Many employers want new hires to start in January, so they can’t wait to buy your home. If you don’t list until after January 1, you might miss out on those buyers. They can’t buy yours if it’s not for sale!
11. Many buyers that need to buy by end of the year don’t have to occupy the home right away. Late occupancies are common during this time, allowing you a real win-win. They win with possible lower interest rates now, and you may be able to negotiate your move for later.
12. Decreased demand on lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, movers and other vendors during this time can cause your escrow processing to be smoother and easier than during busy times of the year.
13. The bottom line is that if your home isn’t available, you may miss YOUR perfect buyer! If you know you want to sell, don’t wait. “You can’t win if you don’t play” as they say... The Question really is – why delay? What’s the downside to listing now?