We often hear that selling a house during the busy holiday season is a no-no, and while spring tends to be the busiest time for buyers, November & December can have their upsides as well. Demand for housing will continue throughout the end of 2016 and into 2017. The seasonal slowdown often felt during the winter months did not occur last winter and shows no signs of returning this year.
1. People who look for a home during the Holidays are more serious buyers! They're usually relocating for work, have a lease that is ended, etc. If a buyer schedules an appointment to see your house the day before Thanksgiving, chances are they are looking to buy now.
2. Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the Holidays and less competition. This means buyers who need to buy now are more likely to choose your house.
3. Since the supply of listings will dramatically increase in January, there will be less demand for your particular home! Less demand means less money for you!
4. Our houses are usually cleaner and show better when decorated for the Holidays! Who doesn't love the smell of cinnamon and pumpkin pie?
5. Buyers have more time to look for a home during the Holidays because they have time off of work.
6. Some people must buy before the end of the year for tax reasons.
7. January is traditionally the month for employees to begin new jobs. Since transferees cannot wait until Spring to buy, you must be on the market now to capture that market!
8. You can still be on the market, but you have the option to restrict showings during the six or seven days during the Holidays! [see reason #1]
9. If you don't want to worry about moving before New Years Day, we can close now and ask for extended occupancy from the buyer so that you don't have to pack up your holiday items before January.