This time of year the "should I or shouldn't I sell my house" question pops up. I have heard this numerous times in the past couple weeks during my listing appointments and prospecting for clients. As a society here in Minnesota, we have been brainwashed over and over that homes don't sell in the winter. Well.....we were taught wrong and here's why now is a great time to sell:
1. Less competition!!! I have been contacted by a bountiful number of future sellers that will be listing their home for sale in the spring. Just think of all the other houses that will be listed for sale to compete with each other during that time? There is a low inventory of homes RIGHT NOW!
2. Many buyers have a lot of time off during the holidays to look for homes as well as moving. This is appealing to buyers as they can move without taking time off from work and school.
3. Homes show very well with holiday decorations. Let me clarify that statement. Homes that are tastefully decorated look wonderful. The Griswold's house was a festive nightmare.
4. There will be less showings from agents. This isn't always bad since the fewer showings will be of a higher quality. There will be a reduced number of buyers but they will be serious about buying a house! Spring and summer produce many buyers that have a ton of time to look and may want to shop around.
5. Right now the interest rates are historically low. Who knows what the rates will be in the spring?! Buyers can afford a lot more house with the low interest rates.
People move all year long. Do you want to wait to list your home until the spring when there is a boatload of competition and not as many serious buyers? Or list now to capitalize on the low supply of houses for sale and potentially get a higher asking price? In my personal opinion, list your house for sale when you are ready....not based on the temperature.
