Is Winter a Good Time to Sell My Home?
Dan Chin
Dan Chin, Team Leader & Sales Director of Dan Chin Homes, has been a longstanding leader in the Madison area business community...
Dan Chin, Team Leader & Sales Director of Dan Chin Homes, has been a longstanding leader in the Madison area business community...
When is the perfect time to sell your home? Some real estate agents will tell you spring is the only time you should sell because that's when "the market is hot". Unfortunately, life doesn't revolve around the real estate market, and whether it is perceived to be "hot" or "cold". People buy and sell homes all the time no matter what season it is, and each season has its own advantages. Here are four reasons why winter is one of the best times to put your home on the market:
Less Competition
If you wait until spring to list your home like everyone else, there will be more competition. In the winter there are fewer homes on the market which will make your home stand out even more. Low inventory is a home seller's best friend and will give your real estate agent the opportunity to market your home at a very high level so you have one of the premium listings on the market to target home buyers.
Better Showings
You can use winter to your advantage when showing off your home's features like fireplaces and hot tubs by making it cozy and warm. Simply put, homes show better during the holidays. The decorations, the lights, the trees. Buyers absolutely love the staging and decorating of homes this time of year and your home will show incredibly well at a time when emotional purchasing is at its peak.
Eliminate Looky-Loos
As you know, just because someone is looking at a home doesn't mean they're serious. If someone is taking the time out of their holiday break to come see your home, chances are they're more intentional and serious. Although you may see fewer potential buyers come through showings and open houses, most of them will be more serious contenders.
More Buying Power
Perhaps the greatest benefit to you selling your home during the winter months, will come into play down the road when you go to buy your next home. If you already have an accepted offer on your home right away during the new year, you will be a non-contingent buyer after the holidays when the rush of inventory hits the market. This will allow you to make better offers than other buyers who still have to sell their home and you'll be able to aggressively go after your dream home.
One more thing...
The biggest concern we hear from clients is that they are worried they will have to leave their home during the holidays. We get it, there's no place like home for the holidays. Don't let that impact your decision, though! Even if you close on the sale of your home during the holidays, your real estate agent can negotiate extended occupancy terms that will allow you to remain in your home after it sells, not just through the holidays but beyond and into the new year. This will take the stress of having to move during the holidays off your plate.
So, when is the right time to sell your home?
The answer is simple. No matter what season it is, the perfect time to sell your home is when it works best for YOU. If you are working with a skilled real estate team, they will be able to provide you with a seamless process and killer marketing to help you sell your home for top dollar, no matter what time of year it is.
Is now the right time?
We know it may be scary, but if it's been on your mind for a while you might want to take the first step and get your home's value. If not, no worries! We're here for you when you're ready.