The Housing Market Does Not Hibernate in Winter.  Home sellers often opt to wait until spring to list their homes.  The winter market is just as strong, however.  This time of year is a great time to sell your home.  Buyers who are out looking  at homes in freezing temperatures are a different breed of buyer.   Sellers also have an additional edge on the market this time of year;  lesser inventory which brings more attention to their home. Buyers  are not overwhelmed with too many choices when there is less inventory to choose from. Winter buyers are focused on the priorities that started their initial  home search and are out looking  with the need to buy  with fewer distractions, finding a home is top priority.

Real Estate Inventory Is Fueled By Life Changes

Life circumstances change daily with the need to buy and sell real estate  due to various reasons such as job relocation, getting married, divorced, up-sizing or downsizing. These are just a few of the circumstances that bring new buyers and sellers into the housing market every day, regardless of the market  season. Which in turn  brings new inventory and choices to the market.

Show Off

The holidays and winter months showcase areas of the home not always considered during the spring/summer months.  The size and layout of space for holiday decorating and entertaining, guest spaces, how well insulated and warm a home feels when temperatures dip below freezing, gain importance. Buyers visiting homes in winter will spend more time inside the home admiring the features and amenities offered. A wood burning or pellet stove warming the house can be seen as energy efficiency savings. Buyers can feel the warmth and coziness of a fire roaring in a fire place.

It’s A Win Win

You should take advantage of the market you’re about to enter, preparation is key  regardless of the time of year.  Winter sales play a vital role for the upcoming spring market.  Winter house sales that close after the New Year are the newest comps for your neighborhood.  These sales will be used for valuing homes in the upcoming spring market.  And finally, the winter months can provide a win-win for home sellers who are serious about selling and buyers who are serious about buying as it’s the most advantageous time to buy real estate.  

Best Time To Sell

I’m often asked when is the best time to sell my house?  Best time to list your home is ONLY when you’re ready regardless  of the market season.  If you’re not emotionally ready to sell your house and prepared getting it show ready then it’s not the right time for you. You’ll know you’re ready  when the pro’s of selling outweigh  the cons regardless of the time of year.  Working with a local broker like myself who knows the market and inventory is able to provide  you with a wealth of information for a  successful home sale transaction.