List a Home Now, or After the Holidays?

Many sellers will be removing their homes from the market during the holidays so you will have much less competition if you list yours now.

Many prospective sellers are asking: Do we list our properties now or hold off until after the holiday season? I usually respond this way. . . Most people will be withdrawing their homes from the market for the holidays and bring them back on MLS (Multiple Listing Service) after the holidays are over. Homes look their very best during the holidays, with all of their beautiful decorations.

If you can possibly list now and leave your home on MLS during the holidays, you may attract that pre-qualified buyer who falls in love with your property. This buyer may be from Massachusetts or out-of-state, relocating to our area. Also, since many sellers will be removing their homes from the market soon, you will have much less competition, allowing your home to shine above all others. Remember, many homes have been listed for a very long time at this point so qualified buyers are patiently waiting for the right new property to appear. New inventory is always very welcome to buyers.

It's a personal decision as to whether you list your home soon or if your home is currently on MLS, deciding if you should withdraw your home to enjoy the holidays with your family. If you can list now, you will most likely attract a higher sales price than waiting until after the holiday season (early January) or even next spring. There are many foreclosures entering our market and this will directly affect many home values in this area so listing sooner than later is my recommendation. 

The (5) key factors to selling are: correct pricing, competition, location, condition of home and excellent marketing. Position your home to stand out in the crowd; that is what it's all about. I call these type of homes "Shiny Pennies." Selling in this buyer's market is about striving to outshine your competition with an attractive asking price, preparing your home for sale by staging, aggressively marketing your home and possibly offering buyer incentives such as closing cost credits from sellers, which is very popular at this time. 

Leaving your home on the market during the holidays may attract the right buyer who has been searching for a very long time for the right property. You will proceed to the closing table much sooner than those sellers who plan on withdrawing their homes in just a few more weeks. As I'm sure you know, it's all about supply and demand when it comes time to listing and selling your home.