Are the Holidays a Bad Time to Sell Home in the Des Moines Area? (Blog)

The answer to the question is "definitely not," it's a great time actually. And, I'll explain why.

• The market is still good. Interest rates are unbelievably low. The Bankers Trust website today has a 30 year rate of 3.125%. I had a client close on November 19th that locked in on a 30 year mortgage at 3.125%, this is the lowest I've seen on a 3o year. Buyers are taking advantage of these rates, and they need homes to choose from, so now is the time to sell. Also, if you want to move into something else, you too, will take advantage of these rates.
• With talk of the "fiscal cliff", it's hard to say what will happen with our economy in 2013. No one has a crystal ball. With things fairly stable currently, consider selling NOW.
• A lot of people don't want to move over the holidays, but if you put your house on the market now, most likely you or a buyer will not be moving through the holidays. Offers usually come between weeks 3 and 6 - so already, that puts you past the holidays, then a buyer typically needs around 45 days to close. If your home is priced well, and put on the market today, you are most likely looking at a February close date.
• With many potential sellers thinking this is a BAD time to sell because of the holidays, we are low on inventory. According to Les Sulgrove, statistics guru at Keller Williams Realty, we are 15% behind on inventory compared to last year.
• As I write this, it's 61 degrees outside, so we don't have the weather keeping buyers indoors. This is great weather for showing your home.

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For questions or comments, comment here or call Rochelle Burnett, Licensed to sell real estate in the state of Iowa with Keller Williams Greater Des Moines, Clive, IA. 515.657.RBKW