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Real estate is a year round activity.  However, there are some advantages, as well as disadvantages, when trying to sell in the winter months. 

Pros of selling a home in the winter:

1.  There are more motivated buyers.  If a buyer is out looking in the cold, snow, and shorter days, then they are serious buyers.  Not to mention the fact that they, too, are busy with holiday activities.  This time of year buyers are serious because they are in a situation where they need to move, possibly due to a job transfer or a change in financial or family situation.
2. There is less competition from other sellers.  Many sellers do not want people looking at their homes during the holidays to see all of the new electronics, etc.  Nor do they want to be disturbed with company present or activities happening.  Therefore, there are typically less homes on the market and less competition.
3. Many buyers who are looking to close on a home before the end of the year could be seeking possible tax benefits.
4. With less buyers looking, that could mean less work for your agent, who can devote more time to you and your home searching needs.  However, beware that some agents also have a tendency to take time off and as such are not available to show homes nor do they have back up to cover their absences.
5. Buyers may have more free time in the winter due to extended days off during the holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.  But there are many long weekends in January and February as well such as MLK Day and President’s Day.  This allows them more time off to view property.

Cons of selling a home in the winter:

1.  Buyers may have a tendency to present low-ball offers thinking a seller is desperate to sell their home if it is for sell during the winter. 
2. Not only are sellers more likely to get low ball offers but there is very little chance of having a multiple offer situation which is often the case in the spring and summer.  Having multiple offers can greatly benefit the seller.
3. Closing a transaction during winter months can add as much as one to two weeks to your closing time.  With extended holidays, many people involved in a real estate transaction take time off or things are delayed due to weather conditions. 
4. Homes have very little or no curb appeal during the winter.  The exterior of homes can look completely different in the winter with bare landscaping and no green grass.

Master Brokers | December, 2018 | 828-762-9180