Here’s some advice if you’re considering a winter home sale this year.
With winter not too far off, one of the questions I always hear around this time of year is, “Should I sell my home now or wait until spring?”
Although the weather isn’t ideal and the outdoor photos of your home won’t look quite as good, there are specific benefits to listing and selling your home during the winter months, even more so this year. Due to the ongoing pandemic, Monmouth County still has a lack of homes for sale. Home prices are soaring, and demand isn’t letting up. Many buyers have been looking for homes for months with no luck. This winter market is as strong for sellers as I’ve seen at this time of year “or any time of year for that matter”.
“Buyers who are house hunting in the winter tend to be more motivated.”
One big benefit of selling in the winter is the lack of competition from other sellers. Most sellers will wait until spring or summer to list, but if you list now, you’ll stand out that much more.
Buyers who are house hunting in the winter tend to be more motivated. It makes sense because many have to buy before the end of the year for various reasons (taxes, relocation, etc.). This also means they can offer you a quicker closing.
Another benefit of selling in the winter is the opportunity to show off (or hide) some of your home’s features. For example, buyers will appreciate a warm fireplace that much more in the winter. At the same time, if your yard needs some landscaping help, buyers tend to not notice these things as much in the colder weather.
Here are some tips for selling your home in the winter:
1. Do routine winter maintenance. Make sure no drafts are coming through doors or windows, and change the air filter in your furnace, for example.
2. Add some brightness. When the weather is dreary, it can affect buyers’ moods. Make sure all your light bulbs are working and in place.
3. Be mindful of weather-related messes. If it snows, make sure to clear your driveway and sidewalks. The last thing you want is for a buyer to slip on the ice and get hurt.
4. Have your Realtor put together a video or 3D tour of your home. In the colder months, buyers have a more difficult time visiting homes in person. A solid video or 3D tour of your home may be the exact motivation that a buyer needs to see your home in person or make an offer.
In conclusion, each season is unique; there is no “right” time to sell your home. The “right” time is when it’s prepared properly, you have a game plan in place, and it makes sense for you.
If you have any questions or would like to put a game plan in place for your next home purchase or sale, feel free to reach out via phone or email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
