Top Tips for Selling in the Winter
Today we tackle a common homeowner question that has not been fully answered yet.
“Should I sell a home in Winter?”
There’s a reason why no one has given a definitive answer. As always, in real estate, the situation is always unique to you, your house, and your local market.
There are a lot of pros and cons that should be taking into consideration with your realtor.
I believe the Winter season can be a great time to sell! Yes, you may have missed the warm Summer weather and the popular month of May. But if it is winter, and you have a house to sell, don’t dilly-dally! Let’s get on it!
Let’s start with…
2 reasons WHY you should sell in the Winter:
Less competition.
The seller’s-market may be low, but the competition is too. Foot traffic and showings won’t be as busy as it is in the spring, of course, but people need to buy homes all year.
If you are one of only a few houses up for sale in the Winter, you will definitely have prospective buyers!
More serious buyers.
Market your home towards empty-nesters and millennials who will be looking for a home after the holiday season arrives.
With fewer homes on the market to choose from, prospective buyers will be more interested and motivated for a quick close!
Now, that said, selling a house in the cold months isn’t an easy task. But with persistence and the right steps, it can be done!
To help you get started, here’s my
Top 5 Tips for Selling Your Home
in the Winter:
1. Make the Price Right
Even though it is later in the year, you don’t have to set the price way below what your home is worth. You should always price your home to compete in the current market.
There’s no need to settle for less than what your home is worth. Most lower offers might not be worth taking, so always discuss these offers with your realtor!
2. Keep the Decor Neutral
When following the holiday season, You want to keep your home cozy. This will be a first-impression of the buyer’s dream home.
Some of us may LOVE pumpkins, Santa dolls, or lawn decorations. But, when selling your home, too much of a good thing can be a turnoff to prospective buyers.
Tastefully appeal to the senses by adding a wreath, a vase of seasonal flowers, unlit candles, and other festive (but clean) pieces around the house.
Pro-tip: Instead of burning heavily-scented candles, add chopped apples, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, orange rinds, and ground clove to a pot of water. Boil a few hours before your showing for a fresh holiday scent.
3. Keep Up Curb Appeal
It doesn’t matter the season, curb appeal is important! Keep the grass mowed, leaves raked, and brighten up the front porch with some fresh yellow and orange flowers!
Of course, don’t forget to water those flowers so that your home's exterior always looks bright and welcoming.
4. Get a Realtor!
This seems like an obvious step, but it can be crucial to find the right realtor to sell your home in the Winter.
Only confident and experienced realtors will be up to the challenge of selling a home in the Winter. These realtors will research your particular housing market and help you decide whether it’s a good time for you to sell.
A good realtor will put your house in front of the right buyers, efficiently finding your buyers. For instance, businesses commonly relocate employees in the Winter. As they relocate to your state, they will be on the lookout for homes in both rural and urban locations!
And for my last tip:
5. Know When to Wait
If you want to sell your house before the holidays, by all means, discuss it with your realtor!
But once it’s Thanksgiving, both you and the buyers get busy with holidays. It might be easier to wait until at least late-January before putting your house on the market.
If you want to sell your house this Winter, don't feel like you have to wait until the busier spring/summer months. Take advantage of the lower competition and the motivated buyers that Winter brings.
Send me an email or give me a call, let's set a plan, and go for it!
-Phillip Bachelder, Realtor #PBRealty
more resources:
Can You Sell a Home in the Winter? Here’s an example! via Youtube.com/phillipbachelder
3 Tips To Sell Your House In The Fall via Realtor.com