Driving through the neighborhoods of Kansas City these past few weeks, I've noticed a marked decrease in the number of For Sale By Owner yard signs. Many of these homeowners still want to sell their house but believe that they will be better off taking the home off the market over the winter and then bringing it back on in the Spring. While it's true that more homes are sold in the Spring, it's not necessarily to your advantage to list your home for sale in the Spring. Why is that so?
1. Everybody thinks that Spring time is the best time to list their house for sale so there is a lot more 
competition. Why do you want more competition?
2. A lot of the "activity" seen in the Spring and Summer is not ready, willing, and able buyers. Most of the people traipsing through Open Houses are just curious. They are thinking about remodeling their own house and want to see what you've done with yours. They may be considering selling their house and want to see what your house looks like compared to theirs. Some would like to buy a house but can not qualify for a mortgage.
3. Your house may actually show better in the Winter than in the Spring. This depends upon the home so think about it carefully. Is your landscaping fabulous? There will be some homes for sale this Spring with extraordinary landscaping; that's your competition. Do you have a fireplace? A home with a fireplace feels cozy and appealing in the winter. There are so many 'winter' scents that conjure up happy feelings that can be incorporated into showing off your home to its' best advantage.
4. Buyers who are out looking in the Winter are serious, ready, willing and able buyers. Though you may have fewer showings in the winter time, your home will be exposed to actual buyers. The chances of your house making their 'Top 3' list and getting an Offer to Purchase are higher.
5. Less inventory increases the chance of you receiving competing offers to buy your home. If your home is marketed and shown properly, the chance of two or more buyers choosing it over all other available homes for sale is higher. This could help your home sell for more money.
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♫ Visions of Dollar $igns Danced In Their Heads ♪ Neighborhoods in Kansas City ♫ Historic Homes of Kansas City ♪ Do You Know Jack? . ...*Information obtained from Heartland MLS is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. **This is an eclectic blog combining a little business with pleasure; please consult a licensed professional before making life altering decisions. ♪♫ . Maria Morton, Realtor©, SRES is a Kansas City Real Estate Agent licensed in MO & KS and affiliated with Prudential Kansas City Realty 816.410.5499.o Maria Morton Copyright © 2011 *Top 5 Reasons To Sell Your House in Winter Time*
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