Is Winter a Good Time to Sell my Home?

Have you been thinking of selling your current home, but not quite sure if winter is the best time to do so?
How will high interest rates affect the salability of my home? Is it economically feasible? Now is the perfect time to take advantage during the off-season and avoid the spring selling-season rush.

Less competition, motivated buyers, online buyers, & less focus on landscaping are some of the benefits to consider when considering to sell in the winter months.

Less Competition

Fewer homes on the market means more attention for property from buyers. You'll also have the opportunity to easily make your home stand out from the competition. With the help of your agent, you can check out comparable properties, highlight your home’s unique features and market it for wide-scale appeal. Selling your home in winter is also a great time to accentuate its energy-saving features, like double-paned windows, updated HVAC systems and insulated attics.

Motivated Buyers

Buyers looking during the winter months often have an urgent reason to find a new home. Whether they’re moving because of job relocation, an expiring lease or life changing circumstances, they tend to be more determined to make strong offers to close quickly. The reduction of the mortgage interest rate, has also sparked renewed buying activities, & smart buyers also understand that they need to get a jump on the spring market to avoid the competition of the current low inventory-high demand environment, &/or a possible multiple offer scenarios as scene during the recent pandemic. 

Online buyers

With today’s interactive real estate portals and increased social media marketing, buyers can learn about and shop for homes any time of the year. They don’t necessarily need to visit properties in person to narrow down their selection; although it's highly recommended. That’s why it’s essential to work with an agent who understands that quality photography and engaging video are key to maximizing online buyer appeal. Your local realtor can also assist with real or virtual staging, to further capture buyer interest, thus further allowing them to imagine how they'd see themselves living in the home.

Less Focus on Landscaping

Winter generally means less time and money spent on improving some curb appeal, yet another benefit of listing off-season. It’s much easier to keep foliage trimmed and looking nice as opposed to during the growing spring and summer months. Now may also be a good time to purchase a new mailbox or welcome mat, subtle elements that can make an impact.

Although the housing market tend to be slower during the winter months, as a seller, you can still achieve a successful selling outcome.

Limited inventory actually presents an opportunity to show your home’s full potential to motivated buyers, leading to a quicker, less hectic, more profitable sale.