Sell Your House Before the Holidays
In real estate, is it really a great choice to sell a house before the holiday season?
As you look ahead to the holiday season and the cold winter weather, you’re likely making plans and thinking about what you want to achieve before the year ends. One of those key decision points could be whether or not you want to look for potential buyers and sell house and property and move out. If the location or size of your current home no longer meets your needs, finding a house that better suits your lifestyle may be a top priority for you. But with today’s cooling housing market, is it really a good time to sell your house, or should you wait?
3 reasons you may want to consider selling before the holidays
1. Get One Step Ahead of Other Sellers
Typically, in the residential real estate market, homeowners are less likely to list their houses toward the end of the year. That’s because people get busy around the holidays and deprioritize selling their house until the start of the new year when their schedules and social calendars calm down.
Selling now, while other homeowners may hold off until after the holidays, can help your house stand out. Start the process with a real estate professional today so you can get your house on the market and get ahead of your competition.
2. Get in Front of Serious Buyers This Season
Even though housing supply has increased this year as buyer demand has moderated, it’s still low overall. That means there aren’t enough homes on the market today, especially as the millennial generation reaches their peak homebuying years. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, says:
Serious buyers will still be looking this winter and your house may be exactly what they’re searching for. If you work with an agent to list your house now, you’ll be able to get in front of the eager buyers who are hoping to make a move before the year ends.
3. Seize a Great Chance To Move Up
Don’t forget, today’s homeowners have record amounts of equity. According to CoreLogic, the average amount of equity per mortgage holder has climbed to almost $300,000. That’s an all-time high. That means the equity you have in your house right now could cover some, if not all, of a down payment on the home of your dreams.
And as you weigh the reasons to sell before winter, don’t lose sight of why you’re thinking about moving in the first place. Maybe it’s time to buy a house that’s in a better location for you, has the space you and your loved ones have been craving, or simply gives you that sense of home. A trusted real estate advisor can help you determine how much home equity you have and how you can use it to achieve your goal of making a move.
Should you List your House in Kalamazoo this Holiday?
Pros and cons of selling house this holiday season
PROS:
- People who look for a home during the holidays are more serious Buyers! This is a big advantage when you sell your house in Kalamazoo before and during the holiday season!
- Serious Buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the holidays, and less competition means more money for you! In Kalamazoo, there may be fewer houses to be listed for sale during the holiday season. Thus, you will be one step ahead of your competitors.
- Since the supply of listings will dramatically increase in January, there will be less demand for your particular home then.
- Houses show better when decorated for the holidays! If I am a potential buyer, I would love to check a house with festive vibes
- Buyers have more time to look for a home during the holidays than they do during the work week!
- By selling now, you may have an opportunity to be a non-contingent Buyer during the spring, when many more houses are on the market, for less. This will allow you to sell high and buy low!
CONS:
December is typically a somewhat sluggish time to close a sale, particularly if it involves a real estate closing late in the month. For people at real estate agents, escrow and title companies, bankers, and other lenders, the prospect of a vacation in January or February can make closing the sale a significant challenge.
Even if you have to head to town for business, it can be more difficult to keep your home free of dust or clean or keep your house set up for a showing. Alternatively, if you live somewhere cold or snowy, you may find fewer showing requests when the weather is less than hospitable.
A festive home during the Christmas season can have some unique challenges, as a lot of holiday-themed décor may be difficult to de-personalize. If possible, you might want to switch back from your usual tree and holiday decorations when displaying your home for sale.
Where to Go From Here
If you’re thinking about selling your house so you can find a home that better suits your needs, don’t delay your plans. Let’s connect so you can accomplish your goals before winter.