It can happen to anyone. And for any Gahanna  homeowner who finds that unanticipated financial challenges combine to make their mortgage no longer affordable, a short sale can sometimes provide the most practical solution.  However, selling a house during winter months can be an additional challenge: there are fewer inquiries and as a result, fewer showings.   When someone needs to get out from under a mortgage quickly – often the case when a short sale is indicated – this time of year can add stress to that short sale process.  

Recruit a Qualified Team

For any Gahanna  homeowner who is considering a short sale at this time of year, there are a number of experts you should consider consulting to help you with your final decision.  It is wise to consult both an accountant and a lawyer who specialize in understanding  short sales: understanding your financial and legal obligations will make your decision sounder. The next step is to find a qualified real estate agent who is equipped to handle your short sale. Although many agents advertise themselves as short sale experts – be sure you select your representation based on actual qualifications.  Don’t be afraid to ask direct questions and to discuss your expectations and terms. And be sure the agent you select understands all the complexities of a short sale; one who can get the job done for you.

Get Ahead of the Curve

The majority of Gahanna  sellers do not place their houses on the market over the last or first months of the year.  Typically the number of homes for sale tends to decrease during the winter months.  The often-overlooked upshot is that this period can therefore offer a marketing edge.  While other sellers are holding out, using this time of year to improve their properties as they wait for the spring  market, the smaller number of competing homes can make the winter market an opportune one.  There may be 30 new listings coming up in April, but there might only be three on the market now.

Set the Right Price

Want to increase showings this winter?  Know your competition.   Researching competing Gahanna homes can help you set the right price.   Determine which houses are competing short sales and which are traditional sales.  Do not feel that you have to lower the asking price of your property just because it is a winter sale - the right buyer will purchase your house regardless of the season.  But if you find that you are not getting enough showings, be prepared to ask yourself if your  price is competitive enough for a short sale.  A short sale is a balancing act: the price has to be low enough to attract buyers willing to go through the short sale process, but high enough for the lender to accept the offer.   In any case, don’t be tempted to “test” the market this time of year with overzealous pricing;  you’ll run the risk of missing the most motivated buyers of the year!

Make your House Presentable

Homes listed for short sale come in many forms; but most often, short sale sellers do not go to the lengths that traditional sellers do to make the home look presentable. Turn this to your advantage. In addition to price, buyers remain concerned with the look and feel of a house.  “That makes staging -- the concept of showing your house at its best -- even more important,” says Dana Dratch on bankrate.com.  Ask yourself what a potential buyer feels when they enter your house. Is it cold outside? Then turn up the heat inside!  Is it dreary outside?  Spruce up the place with a splash of cheery color.  If you want to sell a home through a short sale this winter, help your potential buyers forget about the terms of the sale and help them concentrate on what’s most important -- the house!