Special offer

It Is Okay to Sell in The Winter.....Really!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with RE/MAX United

A common misconception is that trying to sell a home during the holidays is a bad idea. If you are serious about selling, it can be an excellent time to list.  Everyone loves this time of the year and buying is an emotional decision for most.  Why not take advantage of that one your home is beautifully decorated for the holidays. 

Here are 10 suggestions to tell sellers:

•1.    November and December buyers are usually serious:

•2.    Job transferees use the holidays to house hunt because January is the biggest transfer month.

•3.    Investors usually want to close escrow by year-end for tax purposes.

•4.    Nearly half of homebuyers don't have children living at home; there's no need to wait for school to let out.

•5.    Remodeling, decorating, appliance installation and other services are more available and at less of a premium.

•6.    There is plenty of mortgage money available for buyers.

•7.    Lenders aren't as busy and can process loans faster.

•8.    Homes show well when decorated for the holidays.

•9.    Showings will be fewer and less intrusive, but more likely to be fruitful with motivated, qualified buyers.

•10. There is less competition with fewer homes on the market.

Karen Feltman
Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, IA KW Legacy Group - Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocation Specialist in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

All great points, most of which I enumerated today to one of my listings that was complaining about the lack of activity and wanting to remove it from the market for the holidays.  I gently reminded her that the quality of the buyers is more important that the quantity.  Buyers at this time of the year are not looking for decorating ideas, they need to buy!  We are staying on the market.

Nov 09, 2010 08:50 AM
Victor Zuniga
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties - San Diego, CA

Selling in the winter can sometimes be the solution for some sellers especially if you're somewhere where winter doesn't really exist.

Nov 09, 2010 08:56 AM
Tina Johnson
RE/MAX United - Grand Rapids, MI
Your Goals, My Passion, Our Success!

That is a good point - Karen.  Quality of buyers IS better than quantity.  I like that one!

Nov 09, 2010 10:32 AM