Why Bother To Sell During the Holidays?

As a Realtor I know the many reasons NOT to list a home during the winter holidays. I hear them all the time:

“I don’t want people walking through my house while we are trying to get ready for Christmas”

“No one looks at houses during the holidays, what’s the point?”

“Why bother? All the buyers come out in the Spring”

“This time of year, I just don’t want to fool with keeping the house spotless in case of a showing”

Some of these reasons are very valid, it can be a hassle to sell your home and have to keep it show ready at a moments notice especially when your busy. However, I have some arguments FOR selling your home this time of year that just might give you pause when your Realtor calls wanting to renew your listing. …

1. SERIOUS BUYERS – While it is true that you will see a decrease in the number of showings in the winter vs. selling in the spring, the showings you do get will be serious buyers that need a home NOW. You certainly don’t get the looky loos or as many contingent buyers that have homes to sell. Most people are busy with other things this time of year and in many places its nasty outside, who wants to trudge through snow to see a house they aren’t prepared to purchase right a way? Plus this cuts down on your showings so you have more time to do the other things on your holiday list.

1. YOUR HOME LOOKS IT'S BEST – During this time of year your home looks like just that, a home. You may have decorations up, gifts wrapped, or perhaps something sweet baking in the oven. It gives those serious buyers that do come to view your home a warm and fuzzy feeling, and that’s exactly what they are looking for.

1. IT'S YOUR HOUSE UNTIL YOU SAY IT'S NOT! – Many times I hear sellers tell me they are afraid of moving during the holidays or they don’t want to get stuck with an offer and the buyer wants to close and move in 30 days. My response is always the same: “it's your house until you say its not!” Everything is negotiable, if the price is right but you don’t want to move until mid Jauary tell you agent and counter offer  with this change. Also, isn’t it better to get an offer and be able to evaluate your options? What if you get an unbelievable full price cash offer but the buyer has to move in before Christmas, would you consider moving early then? Maybe not but at least you have options. Bottom line? Don’t worry about offers you haven’t gotten yet.

1. YOU HAVE FEWER COMEPETITION FOR THE SERIOUS BUYERS – Just like you, your neighbors that have been trying to sell are also questioning if they want to continue during the holidays. Just as there are more buyers out looking in the spring, there are many more available homes which means a lot more competition for you. And with those serious buyers out looking the months of November and December, your home is looking pretty good!

Homes do sell during these months contrary to popular belief. Most agents don’t quit working, we are still making a living and closing on homes throughout the year. I hope these points just give you something to think about and reconsider selling your home now, it maybe just the thing to take your home from LISTED to SOLD!