When it comes to selling your home, the wintertime might be the last on your list in terms of timing that will be the most successful. While many people assume that the wintertime is not a good time to sell a home, it is actually quite the opposite! There is no “right” time to sell your home – your home could sell just as quickly during the spring season as it might during the winter. The decision-making process as to when to list your home should depend mostly on your own personal circumstances and what makes sense for you and your family, as well as how the housing market is in your area, and the area you are looking to move to. So, what are our thoughts on listing your home in the month of January? Well, selling your home in January may in fact be much easier than you imagined, and might create amazing opportunities!
Here are some reasons why you should consider listing your home during the month of January.
1 – There is less competition.
First, consider the fact that there will be less competition in the housing market during the winter months. In the winter, listings are generally always much lower than they are during the warmer spring and summer months. With less listings up, and potential buyers still shopping around for their dream home, your chances of selling your home will greatly increase. Plus, the more effort you put into the staging and listing of your home, the more your home will stand out amongst the other listings.
2 – Buyers are more motivated.
If you are looking to buy a new home during the winter months, chances are you need to find a home sooner rather than later. During this season, buyers are motivated to find the perfect fit for many reasons, some of which may include they are relocating, they need to find a home before listing their current one, or their lease to their apartment may be coming to an end soon. Whatever the reason might be, potential buyers who are out braving the cold and snow during the winter are on a mission, and they will not waste any time when it comes to finding something that they like.
3 – You can get organized during your time off for the holidays.
The holiday season is the most popular time of year for people to take time off from work, whether they are using vacation days, or their office is totally shut down for the last week or so of the year. During this stretch of time off from work, use this to prepare for your upcoming move. This can include decluttering in your home to prepare for staging (and packing), working with realtors to get the perfect shots of your home for its listing, as well as shopping around for your next new home. There is no better time than the holidays to get organized when it comes to listing your home for sale! Plus, it gives you the perfect opportunity to start fresh in the New Year.
4 – A cozy home will make it even more inviting.
For open houses, you want to make your home look as inviting and comfortable for potential buyers as possible. What better way to make your home look inviting than with a cozy atmosphere that can truly only be cultivated during the winter months? Get your fireplace going, light some candles, and even bake some cookies before the open house to get that sweet, chocolate-y aroma in the air. A first impression means everything for potential buyers and a cozy home could be your key to success.