Aside from “how is real estate doing?”, the question I’m probably asked most is “when should I try to sell my house?” The answer is pretty simple … whenever you get serious about selling instead of trying to play games. Make sure you are committed to the process instead of fishing.
Autumn in Pickens tends to be a good selling season, followed closely by spring and summer. Winter tends to slow down. However, houses in Pickens still sell in January. When I first started out, one of the early contracts I wrote was on New Year’s Day at 11:00 AM! There are several theories about selling during the holidays and winter. The homes are usually decorated and inviting. People who would like to move closer to relatives may be visiting during the holidays and want to look at real estate in the area. If you get a prospect during that period, they are usually serious about buying or they would be with their family instead of hanging out with a Realtor®. There is also the fact that it’s easier to see property when the leaves are down, so keep in mind that the ’58 Buick sitting on blocks in the woods is clearly visible from your patio.
However, instead of worrying about the season, worry about getting your home ready to sell! You can’t time real estate any more than you can time the stock market. Get over it. Putting your home on the market, then taking it off, then putting it back on at a higher price, then taking it off, then putting it on at a lower price … you get the point … when we look at the listing history we see that, and you appear to be a nut. Do your homework, establish a plausible asking price, and list it. You can always adjust it downward as needed, but leave it on the market! If you don’t want to sell it, don’t list it, but try not to use the phrase “we really don’t have to sell” if you have it listed. Would you really want prospects who really don’t want to buy?
But Ron, you say, I have guests coming for the holiday, and I just don’t want to be bothered. That’s fine. Tell your Realtor® to hold all showings for a few days. You do have your Realtor® screening your calls don’t you? Or are you listed with Zsa Zsa Snootpuss who can’t be bothered with such drivel? I realize she looks mahvalous in her designer wardrobe and her Beemer, but what are you paying her to do? Have her put in some time! (There are actually coaches who teach agents they are too important to take appointment calls because they waste time … just have the owners take them!) There might be some merit to the fact that agents like the instant access, so your agent should handle their showing request promptly. It’s not that difficult. But if you need a little break, just put a note in the listing that says showing will resume on January 2nd.
Then you say, “I just don’t want to have to keep the house perfect all the time”. Did I tell you to do that??? I love the sign that says “Martha Stewart don’t live here”. Are you afraid prospects will gossip about how dirty your house is after they leave? If that’s the case, you have a much larger problem. Remember that they live in their home too, and Martha probably isn’t there either. When in doubt show the property.
Don’t be as concerned about when you list it as how you list it. CLEAN THE CLUTTER (repeat that ten times). Trim the shrubs, paint as needed to freshen up, make the entry inviting, and ask your Realtor® for suggestions. No one said you have to spend a fortune, but don’t expect to get top dollar from someone willing to adopt your problems.
I’ll say it again: use a local Realtor®. We live in the same economy as you, so support it. The results will make you happy you did.
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