Did you know that web traffic increases on the various real estate websites when it gets cold? It makes sense. People are inside with their cocoa dreaming about the house of their destiny. If you are thinking about selling your home anytime soon, yours should be one of them.
1. People Buying A House in Winter REALLY Want to Buy a House.
Let’s face it. If you’re buying a house over the holiday season and in the immediately exhausted aftermath- YOU ARE A MOTIVATED BUYER. These are the people that want to write an offer as soon as possible, and they are the ones that you want looking at your house.
2. Deals Tend to Go More Smoothly.
I’d not really thought of it, but my Realtor Friend Stacie Staub in Denver reminded me that the real estate transactions just tend to run more smoothly in the winter months. This is probably because Realtors, Lenders and Title Company Reps are not as busy. Your deal will have much more of their attention than it would get in the Spring, leading to less mistakes, faster closing times and more availability.
3. Relocation is a year-round process.
January is actually the biggest month for relocation! People who are being relocated to Tacoma for their jobs, or military PCSing to JBLM will often fly out for a day or two and write an offer on one of the houses that they see during that time. They don’t have time to wait, even if the weather (or the house) isn’t perfect.
4. More Control Over When You Move.
Buyers tend to be more flexible about terms in winter, so it’s easier to negotiate the ideal moving scenario for you. Want to sell now but then move after Christmas? Want to take your time looking for your next place but be in a better negotiating position without a contingency? Sell now and your agent can work to negotiate a delayed possession or lease-back situation.
5. Uncle Sam Says BUY!
Some buyers are looking to make a purchase before the end of the year for tax purposes…your ideal buyer might be one of them, but they can’t buy your house if you don’t list until Spring!
If you are thinking about selling and want to find out what your home might be worth, would like to talk about the pros and cons of selling during the winter months, or have questions or concerns about the selling process contact me. I’m happy to talk it through with you.
