Key insights:
- With low inventory and eager buyers, selling over the holidays can be a great option for the right homeowner
- While spring and summer buyers move at a slower pace, winter buyers are usually highly motivated and ready to close
- Need to celebrate your holiday without worrying about closing? Winter sellers can work language into their contract to ensure their holiday is peaceful and free of real estate dealings
It's common to assume that selling over the holidays is a bad idea – whether it's because you don't want to add to the stress, or because you think buyers won't bite. In reality, buyers are still out there in full force, and it may be a great time for you to list your home.
Highly motivated buyers
While spring and summer buyers may have a slower pace, winter buyers are almost highly motivated. And holiday buyers are no different than the rest of us this season – they want to enjoy some downtime with their friends and family if possible. They may be willing to ink a deal quickly, before they spend the whole season at showings.
Dwindling inventory and high prices
Winter buyers are always expected to compete over a smaller inventory of homes, but in today's already low inventory market, this holiday season may be especially tight.
This year's October inventory was down 15 percent from 2015, and the number of homes for sale in our 13-county metro area has been on a downslide for the last 18 months. Meanwhile, sellers are collecting 98.5 percent of their listing price at the closing table.
Still want to celebrate the holidays?
As a seller in a low inventory market, you hold the power. If you receive an offer close to your holiday, you can always delay (or restrict) your closing date to allow your family the celebration you all deserve. (Your REALTOR® and closer will probably thank you for this, too!)
Thinking of selling?
If you're considering selling this spring, it may be worth your while to put your home on the market this winter while a small pool of eager buyers are ready to make a move. The best way to get started is to see where you stand. Reach out today for a free, no-pressure home value estimate.
For more tips on selling your home this holiday season, check out #SellerInsights on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
