What Are You Waiting For?

     It’s time you know the facts about listing your home in winter months.

I don’t know when it exactly happened, but somewhere along the road, someone decided it was a bad idea to list your home during winter. But, what I can’t understand is, why? Why is it so terrible? I know, I know, there’s snow on the ground, it’s cold, blah, blah, blah. Yes, those are some of the cons, but what about the pros? I’ve decided to dive in and investigate.

Redfin has the Answers

While I know from years of experience in the real estate business that listing in winter has far more advantages, but I needed more proof. Physical proof. So I did what any normal person would do and went directly to Google. What I found was amazing. Redfin Research Center, a real estate company as well as a technology company, had done the research and found the answers. According to their study, conducted from March 22, 2011 through March 21, 2013, those who listed their home in winter had a 9 percentage point greater likelihood of selling, sell a week faster, and sell for 1.2 percentage points more relative to list price than homes listed in any other season. The numbers don’t lie, folks.  (Redfin Research)

The Deal on Buyers

Buyers who are looking to purchase during this time are more than serious. They want to find a home--and fast. Many of these buyers are moving because they absolutely need to. Time is of the essence. These buyers know exactly what they are looking for and aren’t here to waste anyone’s time. Reasons for the need to move varies for many reasons; relocation for a new job, financial, becoming caretakers to family members—you get the point here. Bottom line is this: While spring brings out the people, they’re not necessarily serious buyers. 

It’s a Lonely Place                                                                     

During these last few weeks before the market explodes with competition, it’s a good idea to list now and be a step above the competition. Why wait until spring when every Harry and Sally in the neighborhood are listing. You don’t want to compete with them. You might have a great home worth much more, but because competition is so strong in the area, you are forced to list at a similar price. Why not list when you can get a buyer to pay top asking price….or more?

If you think it will be hard to attract buyers without the curb appeal that winter steals, you’re wrong.  Yes, winter can be ugly, but winter can also be stunning to view. Whenever there is a fresh snow fall, it shimmers and glistens almost too perfectly with soon to be a tulip, crocus or daffodil peeking through.

So, please, don’t wait like everyone else. Get your home on the market now. Or better yet, call Your Paul Team and let us get a SOLD sign in your yard.