There is a wrong-headed notion out there that homes don’t sell during the Holiday season. If you buy that idea, you may miss a great opportunity to sell your home for top dollar, quickly. If you’re thinking of selling your home soon, but are hesitant because of the Holidays, here are 7 good reasons to sell your home during the holidays.
#1: The Holidays Bring More Serious Buyers
People looking at homes in December are not “lookie-loos.” They are people genuinely looking to buy now. Think about it. With so much to do during the Holiday season, why would a person spend time looking at homes unless they were serious? Sure, you’ll probably have fewer showings, but the showings will be to bona fide buyers who are ready, willing and able to purchase.
#2: Your Home Will Face Less Competition
During the Holidays, your home won’t have to compete with many new listings. Listing during the “slower” Holiday period will make your listing outshine its competitors since your competition will mostly be “stale” listings. Shopworn houses that have sat for months and haven’t sold because of overpricing or poor condition won’t excite buyers like your home. With the new year comes a bright, shiny, new supply of homes. More inventory can mean more competition, longer days on market and potentially less money for your home.
#3: Relocation Buyers Have a Short Period of Time to Find a House
Many corporate relocations begin at the new year and employees being relocated are usually only given a short period of time to find a home. Most do not want to wait until Spring when the inventory is greater to find a new home. They need one now. The corporate relocation employee is a serious buyer with a deadline. You’ll need to be on the market in the final months of the year to capture this prime prospect.
#4: Recent Home Sellers Who Don’t Want to Wait Until Spring
Not to be ignored are the new pool of home buyers who recently sold their homes. This new group of serious buyers needs a place to live. They are “homeless” and don’t like the feeling of it. While their home was on the market, they probably found a home or two that they would have bought if their home had sold, but it didn’t. Now they’re beginning to question whether they will ever find the right home because the inventory is so low.
#5: Homes Decorated for the Holidays Show Better
Your home will rarely look better than it does decorated for the Holidays. The sights and smells permeating the Holiday season brings out the best in everyone’s home. Use the compelling emotions and powerful images of the season work in your favor.
#6: Less Inventory Gives Sellers a Stronger Negotiating Position
Lower inventory and less competition usually translates into a stronger negotiating position for the seller. Emotions play a huge roll in the buyer’s decision making process. In the buyer’s mind, the question is: “Can I find a more suitable home for less than the seller wants?” Fewer homes, and an immediate prospect of fewer coming on the market creates a leverage advantage for you. Use it well.
#7: No Home to Sell During Spring Puts Your Offer at the Top of the Pile
If you prefer to buy in the Spring market when there is more inventory, selling during the Holidays and renting short term gives you the opportunity to be a “non-contingent” buyer. This places you in the optimum bargaining position when there is maximum inventory. Spring attracts more buyers and with your home sold, you can compete with other buyers from a position of strength without a home sale contingency.
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Need to Sell Your Austin Home During the Holiday Season?
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