We have all heard and maybe even said. "Lets wait till the spring and then we'll put the house on the market." Well, maybe 20 or 30 years ago that was sound advice and thinking. However in today's world we have the internet and now people are online and looking at property 24/7. It really doesn't matter what time of the year it is, if someone is looking for their home and finally found the one they love and want they'll move, even in December. Personally I feel that the winter months are the best time to put your property on the market. And here are my reasons why.
1) A lot of people believe that B.S. that people only buy and sell homes in the spring and summer. So how does this help you? Well that means those people have taken their homes off of the market. And since their not for sale right now that leaves less competition. Your chances of a buyer wanting your home is just that much greater.
I know what your thinking... Yah but there aren't as many buyers out looking to buy then. Well if it was 1983 you'd be right. Again people don't need to go and physically see your home in order to be interested in it, we have the internet. Here is a fun little fact for you. Did you know that 90% of buyers find their home through the internet...90%
That is why in today's world you might only have 4 or 5 showings before you have an offer. As apposed to 30 or 40 showings in 1983. The buyers that are physically looking are already genuinely interested in your home. And not being dragged around by a Realtor hoping that the buyer will see something they like.
2) More then likely if a buyer sees your home between November and February. Chances are they're pent up and really really REALLY wanting to find a place. They've probably been looking since spring and may have even wrote a few offers and ended falling through. As a seller this is what you want. So if you do have a showing in the middle of winter that is awesome! You are probably going to see an offer.
3) If you want to catch a fish you have got to cast it out there. You never know when your buyer is going to be looking for your place. If you want to move then don't waste time in waiting, put your property on the market. And if you live in Lake County Illinois be sure to get a really good Realtor... And call me lol. So the time has come to shift this paradigm. It's time to Zig while everyone else is Zagging.
When is the right time to put my home on the market? The answer is, when you are ready and willing to move.
No matter what time of the year.
Thanks for reading,
John Stanley
J.S.=John Stanley=Just Sold
About the Author: John Stanley is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Libertyville, in Lake County Illinois and specializes in residential property sales and purchases. If you would like to contact John Stanley directly you can email him at John.Stanley@cbexchange.com
His Website www.coldwellbankeronline.com/johnkasprzak
Or follow him on twitter @JStanleyRealtor
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