Should I Wait Until Spring?
Spring is generally the most popular time of year to sell a house. However, if you decide to sell your home during the winter, there are some definite advantages to it. Here are 5 reasons why winter might be the right time to sell!
- Less Competition:
It’s true that fewer people tend to list their homes during the winter months, but this means that your home has a better chance of standing out, as there will be fewer competing listings. Wouldn’t you rather be the only home for sale in your neighborhood, than have three of your neighbors also selling at the same time?
- The Buyers Are Serious:
Winter buyers are working against a deadline, whether it is a relocation, expiring lease, or a contract on their current home, it means that they need to move. One of the biggest months for corporate relocation is January, meaning that those buyers have a limited time to find a new home and get their families moved. Also, growing families are looking to upsize – with the largest number of babies being born in the fall, new parents are on the lookout for a more spacious, family home.
- Loans May Be Processed Quicker:
Because the housing inventory is generally smaller during the winter, lenders are less busy. This means that when your buyers are ready to go under contract, they can get their financing ready to go that much faster, and everyone can make it to closing quicker.
- Moving Is Easier:
Most moves happen between April and November. Given that moving companies won’t be as busy in the winter, they’ll also be more likely to meet your scheduling needs and accommodate your special requests. This flexibility allows you to move on your ideal schedule and timeline. Since the demand for movers is down, they’re willing to make some changes. Mainly, that change is reduced rates, but storage costs can also be lower during these months.
Moving in the summer and even the fall — depending on where you live — can mean you’ll be hauling your belongings on a hot day. It’s exhausting and unpleasant. When you move in the winter you can dress in layers, shed them as you work, and feel overall more comfortable. If you think you’re hot in the summer, imagine how it must be for your belongings. If you are moving with delicate items, a winter move can drastically decrease the risk of your items becoming damaged.
5. You Can Create a Truly Inviting Home:
There are few things more inviting than a warm, cozy home when winter weather is here. Buyers are going to be out wandering the neighborhoods searching for the right home and fighting cold weather to do so. You can stage your home to take advantage of the instinctive need for shelter and the many elements that come with the winter season. A fire in the fireplace, warm lighting, the smell of cookies baking in the oven. Do it right and buyers may not want to leave, which gives you leverage in trying to sell the home.
Selling during Winter?
Achieve instant curb appeal with these top tips!
