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Do I list my Home before or During the Holidays?

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Phoenix

My area is the South Phoenix and Laveen area in Metro Phoenix, which is still pretty sizable.  We can average anywhere from 250 to 350 home sales in month in our 4 zipcodes of 85339,85041,85040 and 85042.  I bring this up to just give an idea of the size of the area I specialize in.  It always happens when we start those listing appointments from about Thanksgiving to New years, should one list their home during the holidays?

What a loaded question!!!  Truth is there are still buyers out there, and chances are if they are looking during the holidays, they are truly serious buyers.  Yet the holidays are a period in most lives here in the US, where family and friends gather.  One may have visitors in to the South Phoenix and Laveen area from out of state, to stay and enjoy the holidays.  Do you want people parading through your home during the festivities?  Can you accomodate showings if you have guests?  Will the home be presentable if prospective buyers are wanting to see the home?

The really big questions is, as a seller do you REALLY need to sell.  If your looking to move out of the South Phoenix and Laveen area because of a job relocation, and you have a specific time you must be out, you may REALLY need to sell.  If your a short sale situation, and time is of the essence to beat an upcoming short sale, you may want to list your South Phoenix - Laveen home sooner than later.  When it comes down to it, prospective buyers in the South Phoenix and Laveen area will be looking through out the holidays.  Realtors ( I know I will) are likely going to be available to show homes or list homes during the holidays.  The real question again, are you ready to have home on the market, be shown, and possibly selling during the holidays?  Or would it be more convenient to wait?

Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

David it is also a motivation level, to see how serious your sellers are!!!, Endre

Dec 16, 2013 03:00 PM
David Alan Baker | Laveen & South Phoenix Realtor
Keller Williams Realty Phoenix - Laveen, AZ
Your local Expert

Endre Barath, Jr, right you are sir.  Although I also feel there is really two types of sellers.  Those that want to sell and those that need to sell.  Maybe a small distinction, but there it indeed one there.

Those that want to sell, do not by definition have to sell and would possibly like to see just how much they can get for the home.  Never mind concrete statistical evidence that home won't sell for 25% over market value.

Then there are the sellers that need to sell.  Of course everyone want to walk away with the most money they can on the sell of their home, but these group is realistic.  They may adopt a slight higher price strategy, but they atleast acknowledge the market value and listen to recommendations.

Thanks for you comment

Dec 16, 2013 11:12 PM
Tom White
Franklin Homes Realty LLC (615) 495-0752 or www.FranklinHomesRealty.com - Franklin, TN
Franklin Homes Realty LLC, Franklin TN

David, as you mentioned, many potential sellers don't want the hassle over the holidays. What they are ignoring is that there are buyers out there right now, looking for a home. We have a buyer, flying in from Washington State today, who wants to buy a home before January 4. After January 1st, many additional homes will come on the market. The competition will become much greater for sellers.

Dec 16, 2013 11:48 PM
David Alan Baker | Laveen & South Phoenix Realtor
Keller Williams Realty Phoenix - Laveen, AZ
Your local Expert

Good input Tom, right you are as well.  I'm of the frame of mind that it has to be something that works for all parties.  As for me, I'm always ready - lets list it as soon as your ready.  If seller has guests from out of town, and it will be a hassle, then they must consider that and be willing to wait and see what the market brings.

What area of the country are you in?  You seeing a change in your market?

Thanks for your comments

Dec 17, 2013 01:13 AM