Special offer

I want to wait till spring to put my home on the market...

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty

Rings the words from just about every listing appointment this time of year. 

Top 5 reasons why NOT to wait until Spring to put your home on the market. 

1. Inventory levels are at the lowest point of the year.

2. You have more of a chance of getting your price because buyers have fewer homes to choose from.

3. Family visiting from out of town wanting to move and be near family. They take this time to view homes.

4. Job transfers for the first of the year, these are serious buyers that have to move.

5. This is an emotional time of year, buyers will have more of an emotional connection with the holiday decorations and warm feeling in the home. (showcase your home)

 

I am always suggesting to sellers that this is the best time of year, strictly because of the #1 reason. Buyers that are looking this time of year are serious or they wouldn't be looking. With this being said, it is best to advise our sellers that they could be missing a prime opportunity for less haggling in price, because of reason #2. 

Waiting until spring puts the seller in the market with more inventory, when buyers have more to choose from they will haggle in price, because this home has that and this is why we are offering what we are, if you don't take it, we will go to the other. When there is no other to go to, the seller has the upper hand.

Remember just because you list and receive an offer over the holidays doesn't mean you can't negotiate closing time. A lot of buyers want a delayed closing. They want the time over the holidays to look because they have the time. One thing to chalk off their to do list. Especially if a relocation or job transfer. 

We pride ourselves in educating our clients, giving them all the information so they are well informed. They are able then to make the best decision as to what is best for them and their family.

Happy Holidays and sellers we want to see your decorations. Don't wait till spring to put your home on the market! 

 

Robert J. Russell
Robert J Russell Companies - Dallas, TX
IRES, ICREA, REBS, GMA, LAS, LUTCF

Another thing to add is that when Appraisers look at a house for comparables they will typically go back 6 months for SOLDS and 6 months back would be June, July, Aug.....etc

June, July and Aug are the 3 biggest months of real estate where house values are tpically the highest.

Dec 02, 2012 09:12 PM
Brian Kuhns
Coldwell Banker Roth Wehrly Graber - Fort Wayne, IN
Fort Wayne Real Estate by Brian Kuhns

Statistically this time of year my area sells the same percentage of homes to inventory as during the summer months. This time of year has been the busiest part of my business for the last two years. Best of luck

Dec 02, 2012 09:13 PM
Beverly Herdman
Keller Williams Realty - Culpeper, VA
Northern VA Wine Country Experts

Robert, that is such a great point! Thanks for sharing.

Brian, yes we are busy this time of year as well in our area. Near DC, it is very transient, ie job re-locations are a big factor this time of year.

Dec 02, 2012 09:18 PM
Rebecca Lee McAnallen
RGS Title, LLC - Culpeper, VA
Big city experience, small town service

How right you are! Folks trecking out in the dead of winter are serious about a purchase. Homes can be beautiful in winter with holiday decorations and the like.

Also an excellent point about appraisals and comps for last 6 months. That is food for thought!

Dec 03, 2012 12:30 AM