Selling a Home Between the Holidays

Real estate has always had “seasons” of activity during the year. I have blogged on this in the past. Normally spring and fall are “listing” periods. The first thing that messed up the seasonality of real estate in recent years was the distressed-home-selling market. Banks work on foreclosures all year so whenever they become available they will list the home. If the asset manager can accelerate a closing before the end of the year they will push it in order to clear the books.

Short sales are also random. Unfortunate homeowners who have lost a job, had a health setback, or just got a bad loan often wait until they get the NTS (Notice To Sell) posted, and all of a sudden decide to list their home as a short sale. This also adds a randomness to the market.

This year is a strange year in that inventory is so low and demand is so high that it may be best to list your home in the next few months if selling is in your plans. Yes it may mess up your holiday plans just a bit but the pros may outweigh the cons. Consider this: no one is looking at homes or stopping in open houses this time of year unless they are serious buyers. Many buyers have been frustrated this summer and really want to buy this year. Also some buyers may want to purchase and close before the fiscal cliff arrives with all its uncertainty.

What can you do to mitigate the inconvenience of a sale this time of year? First price it right. Second stage your home. Holiday décor actually makes buyers feel good. Thirdly if you get an acceptable offer then negotiate a 30 day rent back so you can stay in your home a little longer. Some buyers might even offer that for free. Fourthly if you need to just put your listing on hold for the week or ten days right around the holidays. Fifthly, hide any gifts and don't leave valuables out.

This is all just an idea for homesellers who were thinking of listing in the first quarter of the year anyway. Hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving!

Ron Buck, Realtor®

Ron Buck has been a real estate broker for 16 years with over 400 successfully completed transactions. He is a 10-year resident of Laguna Niguel and is an expert in south Orange County real estate. You can contact him at Ron@JonRonRealEstate.com or 949.456.0505.