While it is true that the housing market tends to slow down during the winter months, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not a good time to sell a house. It can actually pose many advantages for sellers looking to find a buyer. Don’t let the colder weather discourage you. Here are five reasons why listing in the winter months can actually work to your advantage.Â
There are More Serious Buyers
Buyers that are out looking at homes this season tend to be more motivated. Many times relocations happen before the start of the new year, and these buyers are ready to commit and fast! You also might find a family that sold their house in the fall and need to find a place to move to fast. You will even get many first-time buyers who want to capitalize on tax benefits of homeownership before the end of the year.
Less Competition
You’ll also find that there are fewer homes on the market, which means less competition for you, and fewer choices for buyers. Many homeowners who have the time to wait it out, take their home off the market during the holidays. You can capitalize on their decision by marketing your home competitively and catching the more serious buyers who are looking.
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Holiday Vacation Time Means Busy Buyers
Buyers have a lot of time off around the holidays, which give them the ability to focus on their home search. Many will start their search online with websites such as ReeceNichols.com. Our home search website and app get nearly 80% of all real estate brokerage searches in Kansas City. So even if buyers aren’t coming through your home, they’ll be seeing it on our website.
Holiday Decorations Show Off Your Home at It’s Best
Festive decorations show just how warm and inviting your home can be for a prospective buyer. Just a few holiday decorations can help buyers to envision themselves in a new space. Just make sure none of the decorations are too personalized with your family names.
Mortgage Rates Are Still Low . . . For Now
Mortgage interest rates are still at near record lows. This makes homeownership very attractive and achievable. Rates are slowing ticking up, but we could see them rise a bit more in 2017. Now is a great time for buyers to take advantage of and lock in a lower rate.
So, are you ready to benefit from selling during the winter months? Call me if you would like to learn more about the specific market statistics for your area at 913-725-8827.