In the debate on daylights savings time, I am on the progressive side who likes the change. Sure it messes with some old software so a clock or two is out of sync, but the tradeoff is well worth it. We get an hour more of evening daylight weeks early than in the past. This is a tremendous help to buyers, sellers and Realtors!
The traditional Minnesota winter slow down in housing sales can be attributed to a plethora of reasons: cold, snow, holidays, school year, etc., but it really boils down to one factor. People don't buy homes in the dark.
It the winter daylight hours are short. Most people work that 9 to 5 shift so are not able to view homes in the daylight during the work week. It is tough to tie up every weekend looking for homes so the process is delayed until spring and summer when people have more flexibility and more light in their evening schedules.
In this changed real estate market many homes are vacant. It is difficult to assess the condition of a foreclosed home that has the utilities turned off without light. Sure a flashlight, or better yet a half dozen flashlights, would help. But it stigmatizes the home further by giving it an "old haunted house" feel. Most vacant properties look a bit better in the light of day! Sunshine gives a better perspective on the work that would need to be done on the home.
Owner occupied homes also look better with the warm spring rays shining through the windows! People get a better idea of the colors and space inside the home. It is also easier to view the exterior for features or necessary repairs and to walk the property lines in the late afternoon sunshine!
Spring forward and get in gear! If you are thinking of making a move this year, you have been given a few extra weeks in the spring market to see homes. Remember it is the early bird that catches the worm! The first spring buyers have an awesome selection of properties across the Twin Cities metro! And those savvy sellers who put their homes on the market in the early spring attract those motivated family buyers who want to move as soon as the school ends.
Featured Homes "JUST LISTED" in the North and East Metro:
15139 E Vermillion Circle NE, Ham Lake, MN 55304
29541 Shoreview Circle, Lindstrom, MN 55449
If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Copyright 2008 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/
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