Many home sellers hit the "pause" button during December, and would-be sellers decide to wait until January to put their house on the market. They feel the hassle of keeping the house clean while getting ready for the holidays is just too much. In my opinion, that is a mistake!
Here's why:
- People who are "just looking" are at the mall, shopping. Real buyers are out there now, including relocation buyers who are typically the best buyers. You will definitely have fewer showings during the holidays but they will be people serious about buying. So it's actually less work for you with a bigger potential payoff.
- Festive decorations increase the warmth and appeal of your home. People can imagine themselves entertaining and celebrating with friends and family.
- January typically slows down since people are less likely to venture out in the freezing cold.
The MLSLI data prove it! A comparison shows that Fall/Holiday Market has more sales than the Early Spring market - and December is continuing the trend. For example, in 2010, in the Four Harbors area:
- Cold Spring Harbor School District (includes Lloyd Harbor, plus Laurel Hollow, Lloyd Neck): 31 homes went under contract in the Fall/Holiday timeframe compared to 19 homes in the Early Spring.
- Huntington Harbor (Huntington, Huntington Bay): 96 homes went under contract in the Fall/Holiday timeframe compared to 75 homes in the Early Spring.
- Northport Harbor (Centerport, Northport, Asharoken, Eatons Neck): 57 homes went under contract in the Fall/Holiday timeframe compared to 32 homes in the Early Spring.
Data for 2009 show the same pattern.
More proof: This week I put the first house under contract for December in the Cold Spring Harbor school district. I listed it in November and put it under contract with my own buyer in 24 days!
If I were ready to sell my home...I would list today. The "most wonderful time of the year" could net you the best gift ever - a contract!
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