I frequently hear from our sellers, especially as we approach the holiday season: "Did I miss my window?"
With Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner, many homeowners are unsure if this is the right time to list their home, given the traditional preference for spring and summer moves.
Let’s explore why selling during the late fall and winter can actually be a fantastic decision!
Why People Hesitate to Sell in Winter:
- Many sellers worry about a decrease in activity during colder months.
- Traditionally, spring and summer are popular for moving, especially for families who want to settle in before the new school year starts.
- There’s a natural hesitation to list a home during holidays and colder seasons.
Benefits of Selling in Winter:
- Higher Motivation from Buyers: Winter buyers are often more serious. Unlike in spring, where we might see more casual lookers, those visiting homes during winter are usually determined and ready to make a move.
- Quality Over Quantity: While spring may bring more traffic, winter showings tend to be more efficient. Sellers can often achieve a better showing-to-offer ratio due to buyers’ motivation levels.
- Emotional Appeal: The holiday season provides a unique chance for buyers to envision their future holidays in a new home—imagine a family picturing their Christmas morning in your beautifully staged living room!
A Different Approach to Showings:
- In spring, the goal is often a 10-to-1 ratio—10 showings to receive one offer.
- In winter, this can improve as motivated buyers bring more serious offers, requiring fewer showings to achieve an offer.
Selling in winter can be a phenomenal opportunity! Less competition, highly motivated buyers, and the holiday spirit can lead to a faster and more focused sale process.
If you’re considering selling now, it’s worth taking advantage of the unique benefits that come with listing during the holiday season.