January 19, 2018
When the hustle and bustle of the holiday season begins, putting your house on the market might end up a little lower on your list of things to do. However, wintertime can be the best time to consider listing your property. While spring and summer remain the most popular seasons for buyers and sellers, colder months provide their own special set of benefits. Read on for the pros and cons of listing your property when the weather outside starts to get a little frightful.
Less Competition Makes You Stand Out
Motivated buyers won’t be scared of falling snow and freezing temps. They’re the ones who are ready to make an offer on the property that fits their needs, and because the inventory is significantly smaller during winter months, sellers can often find themselves in multiple-offer situations.
Undivided Agent Attention
When the cold winds start to blow, business tends to slow down for many Realtors®, but that can be a major benefit for buyers and sellers. This downtime means Realtors® have more time to devote to researching comps, marketing properties online, and analyzing neighborhood trends. This provides better opportunities for Realtors® to help buyers find their dream home and move their sellers’ listings faster.
Faster Sales Times and Higher List Prices
It’s a cold, hard fact: Homes listed in the winter tend to sell faster and for a higher price than those listed in the spring. This is partially because sellers have a dedicated and available agent who has the time to price their property right, attracting more attention and securing more favorable offers. And no one likes to be out in the cold. You can trust that the buyers looking for a house in the winter are seriously motivated and ready to pull the trigger.
Winter Gives Your Home an Opportunity to Shine
Winter has its fair share of obstacles, but with the right attention and thoughtful planning you can avoid common mistakes and make your property truly sparkle during the holiday season. Resist hibernation mode and include pops of color in your decor. Keep windows crystal clear because the winter sun will show every scuff and smear. Shovel your walkway to welcome buyers in and make sure you provide them with a space they can imagine making their own.
Don’t wait for the warmer winds of spring to blow buyers your way because winter is a season filled with wonder. Invite some of that magic into your home with these tips that are sure to make selling your home so much more delightful.