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13+ Reasons to list your home Fall/Winter 2009

By
Real Estate Agent with Century 21 New Millennium 636665

13 Reasons to list your HOME Fall and Winter 2009!

Why listing in the fall/winter might actually BENEFIT you verses waiting until the spring/summer

1A+++ BRAND NEW REASON+++ $6,500 tax credit if you sell and buy now.... And $8000 to a buyer - that's a good reason all by itself!  Selling your home NOW is worth up to $14,500 in tax credits for you and the buyer if you sell BEFORE April 30th.

  1. Inventory of competition is lower, so your home stands out better with the serious buyers, who have less to choose from.  Your odds of selling go UP during this time of year!  You see... 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 is the time!
  2. Only the serious buyers are out in the fall/winter, so fewer people running through your house, but you are more 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, as 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 Oct/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... All can add to the beauty inside when it's not so pretty outside. Contrast can equal a sale!
  5. It's OK to specify for "no showings" during certain times during the holidays. 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 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?

  

Posted by

Century 21 New Millennium

Chris Hill  Chris.hill@c21nm.com

301-862-2169 (Work) 410-610-9032(Cell)  301-862-2179 (Fax)

Comments (8)

Sonja Babic
Sonja Babic/PRIME Realty NC, LLC - New Bern, NC
New Bern NC, PRIME Realty NC, LLC

Very nice info Thank you ~ Most of the homes look their best for the holidays.

Nov 06, 2009 12:56 PM
Chris Hill
Century 21 New Millennium - California, MD
Your Southern Maryland Real Estate Professional

I agree, Homes always look their best this time of year. Thanks for the comment.

Nov 06, 2009 01:01 PM
Dan Tabit
Keller Williams Bellevue - Sammamish, WA

Thank for this post Chris.  I was recently asked if listing now might be better than later, in the spring.  Partly because I knew another agent had already advised that he wait until spring I wanted to provide a contrasting position.  One point you didn't make that I have made is that IF prices continue to soften, now would be better than in the spring with all the competition. 

Nov 06, 2009 01:21 PM
Gabriela Agostinelli
RE/MAX100 - Leonardtown, MD
Gabriela A-Team

 Good points Chris! Now is better for the seller, with the inventory lower in Southern MD and the new tax credit incentive. You can sell your home, buyer a better one - because the prices are still lower then ever! - And on top of that get $6,500 in tax credit. Great deal!

Nov 07, 2009 12:42 AM
Chris Hill
Century 21 New Millennium - California, MD
Your Southern Maryland Real Estate Professional

Dan, Great point if prices do continue to soften then now would be better then the spring. Another clear point is that interest rate will be increasing and more people will qualify now.

Gabriela, Your right about that $6,500! Now we have our work cut out for us to go out there and get those sellers and buyers!

Thank you all for your comments.

Nov 07, 2009 05:33 AM
Anonymous
Anonymous

Chris, good post and great points. My comment on the rental situation falls into line with this.

Nov 29, 2009 10:23 AM
#6
Roy Giordano - Top Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Central, Marlboro, Manalapan, Freehold, Old Bridge NJ - Marlboro, NJ
Top Agent Marlboro NJ, Marlboro/Manalapan Homes

Hi Dan,

Excellent blog. I just sent it to one of my soon to be listers.

Thanks for posting

Roy

 

Nov 30, 2009 12:56 AM
Dr. Stacey-Ann Baugh
Century 21 New Millennium - Upper Marlboro, MD
A doctor who makes house calls.

This is great info.  I am going to reblog this for my sellers.  Thanks.

Jan 15, 2010 12:34 PM