Listing your home during the holidays might seem a miserable proposition, but if you’re serious about selling, the timing is spectacular. Here are five reasons why the “advice” to wait until spring to sell your home is based on myth, and why the holidays offer a real opportunity.
5 Reasons Listing Your Home During the Holidays is a Great Idea
Less Competition
With housing inventories at record lows already, they are dropping further as the holidays approach. On average, the number of Salt Lake City homes listed in the 4th quarter drop by 37% compared to the 3rd quarter. The percentage grows even more when compared to spring. This means nearly forty percent fewer homes left the market over the holidays. And this year, there are even less…our inventory is 14% lower than this time last year (not shown). Great for sellers willing to take the plunge!
Buyer Demand Remains Strong – and it’s More Serious
Not only are buyers still house hunting, out of town buyers are also in town looking for their next home while they have time off from work and school. An added bonus, buyers hunting during the holidays are the real deal, not folks looking as a hobby.
You Can Control Showings to Accommodate Family and Celebration
One of the biggest objections to listing over the holidays is that it will interfere with family visits and cause a huge inconvenience. While it will have an impact, you do have control. Good communication with your agent is the key. For example, if you let me know that you had a party planned for December 22nd, I’d make a note in the MLS that there would be no showings from the 22nd – 26th. Letting other agent’s know in advance is fine. Also remember, listing during the holidays doesn’t mean moving right away, that can wait until after the New Year.
Supply Will Increase After the New Year
Once the holidays are over, the competition will come rushing back in. In a lean market the seller has a distinct advantage because supply is low and demand is high. This is the perfect scenario for selling fast at top dollar. As more homes hit the market, there will be more option for buyers and this advantage will decrease.
Entertaining Naturally Makes Us Keep Our Homes Tidy
Take advantage of spiffing up your home for entertaining to get it sold! Same effort – twice the benefit. Add tasteful decorations to make your home welcoming and bake some cookies to make your house smell delicious and inviting.
Just don’t go overboard; 97 strands of multi-colored flashing lights and cheap pine scented candles could backfire. Also, think twice before pull-starting the generator on the super-deluxe blow-up Santa. These displays are super fun any other year, but are not good for selling.
If you happen to be traveling over the holidays, you’ll have an even easier time, simply prep your home, and leave the rest to me or any other tech savvy agent. All of the details can be handled remotely, such as contract negotiations and signing. I regularly do this for out of town clients.
Now that I’ve busted the myth that spring is the best time for listing your home, feel free to reach out for advice if you’re ready to take the plunge into one of the little known secrets of the seasonal cycle – call or text 801.893.2519.
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Happy Holidays!!
