Many people think that a slow down in real estate sales during the holidays is a reason to hold their home off the market until spring when there are more buyers looking. There are many benefits to listing your home during the holidays, here are a couple good ones...
1. Putting your house on the market now gives you the opportunity to have it sold by the spring time, and then you can shop for a new home for yourself as a "non-contingent buyer". This means you can submit a stronger offer, when there are more houses on the market for lower prices in the spring. Sell high, buy low!
2. Sell it now for more money, and negotiate for a delayed closing or extended occupancy through early next year. Now you know your house is sold, so you don't have to worry about it, and you have time to search for a new home at your convenience.
3. You can indicate your home is "Temporarily Unavailable to Show" in the MLS, so you don't need to worry about unexpected short-notice showings over the holidays when you are trying to enjoy family time. This still allows buyer to find your home when they are searching online, and you won't be bothered with showings.
4. January is a strong month for the relocation market, as it is usually the month for employees to begin new jobs. These buyers need to buy, have a real sense of urgency, and are usually well-qualified. You'll need to have your home on the market before the holidays to attract these hot buyers.
5. There may be tax incentives for some people to buy before the new year, and these buyers will be motivated to move quickly.
6. Buyers have vacation time during the holidays, which means they have more time to look for a new home than they normally would during the work week.
7. Buyers are more emotional and are thinking more about their families and their future during the holidays. Emotional buyers will become more attached to your house, and will be more willing to pay your price.
8. Houses show wonderfully when they are decorated for the holidays. Plus, there are many more people driving around neighborhoods looking at lights and decorations, so get the for sale sign in the front yard and let all these onlookers know it's available.
9. The supply of homes on the market usually reaches a low this time of year, and then significantly increases beginning in January, February and March. Larger supply and lower demand means less money for you, so put it on the market right away!
10. There are fewer houses on the market during the holidays for the serious buyers to consider, and less competition means more money for you!
...And the best reason to list your home during the holidays...
The buyers who are motivated enough to look for homes during the holidays are the most serious buyers! These are the people you want looking at your house.
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