4 Buyers, 4 contracts, 4 days

Here in Flagstaff, AZ, we're known as having a seasonal market.  Many area sellers are chomping at the bit to take their homes off the market for the season and will relist in the Spring.  And while that's all well and good, I consistently see reasons to remember that there are people buying and selling year round in Flagstaff.  

My buyer's agent in Flagstaff has been incredibly busy lately with our team generated leads.  I just got off the phone with her, and as of right now she's written 3 contracts in 3 days.  2 of the contracts are opening escrow today, and one is still in negotiations.  She is meeting with another buyer tomorrow who is ready, willing, and able.  This buyer has stated that they are particularly excited about one of the homes they will be viewing tomorrow.

So Stacey is working with 4 new buyers over the course of 4 days.  And if all goes well tomorrow, she'll also be writing 4 contracts in that same time period.  Heck, even if tomorrow's showings don't end in an offer, she still has 3 contracts written and 2 new escrows (potentially 3) over the past few days.

All of this is not to pat ourselves on the back - although Stacey is doing an awesome job and deserves the kudos!  No, the point is that there are real buyers out there even though we are "out of season."

Don't get sucked into a "seasonal market" mentality - either as a seller, buyer, or an agent. While there is an ebb and flow to any market, look at the data.  

There is clearly a slow down in the numbers of sold listings during our winter months, but in looking at the past 2 years, December actually sees more buyers than new listings. And obviously there is always a large gap between actual inventory and actual sold listings, but that doesn't change in any season. 

In fact, I'd say there are more serious buyers in the winter months as opposed to the "just looking" crowd that trends during our busy tourist months.

All in all, every home is different and a different strategy is required.  But don't forget that there ARE real buyers out there during the off season.  So maybe winter is a good time to sell, after all.