Why selling your house in winter, during the holidays, is a great idea!
Here's an article that accurately describes what I've experienced myself personally each winter. Houses DO sell during the winter. In fact, during early fall, when inventory is high and houses are staying on the market longer - it is those less than serious sellers that will take their homes off the market for the 'holidays.' What is left are serious sellers. The buyers who were 'just looking,' stop looking at the holidays. What is left are serious buyers. Houses look beautiful when dressed up for the holidays. It's chilly outside and to step inside a festive home with perhaps something baking in the oven and a fire in the fireplace... it is the perfect ambience for a sale. Plan now , get some exterior photos now of your home while the leaves are still on the trees .
"The non-serious buyer will buy at the regular time of year,” says James Joseph, a broker in California. “But during the holidays, they are more serious. They're doing that because they have to buy, rather than want to buy. They visit with someone and decide they like an area and they have to buy."
"Corporations move people during the holidays because kids are out of school," he says. "Ideally summer is better, but this is another opportunity to move. If you are relocating, you will do this at a time when you aren't working. A holiday is a time you can scout.
Michigan real estate company Real Estate One encourages sellers to list during the holidays, says spokesman Mike Dunklee. "A common misconception is that trying to sell a home during the holidays is a bad idea,” he says. “If you are serious about selling, it can be an excellent time to list."
Job transferees use the holidays to house hunt because January is the biggest transfer month.
- Investors usually want to close escrow by year-end for tax purposes.
- Remodeling, decorating, appliance installation, and other services are more available and at less of a premium.
- Lenders aren't as busy and can process loans faster.
- Homes show well when decorated for the holidays.
- Showings will be fewer and less intrusive, but more likely to be fruitful with motivated, qualified buyers.
- There is less competition with fewer homes on the market.
To sell or buy a home, or search homes for sale in Contra Costa, Walnut Creek, Concord, Lafayette, Alamo, Pleasant Hill and surrounding areas, call Catherine Myers, Alain Pinel Realtors at 925-627-3027 or visit Catherine's website: www.DiabloValley.net
