“People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy.”
Anton Chekhov
I know what you’re thinking! No one buys and sells their home during the winter. Real estate is best served in the spring and summer months…
Even though the busy season is spring and summer, research shows inherent benefits to listing your home or buying a home during the winter season.
So grab your winter coat and let’s dive into the benefits of listing or buying a home during the wintertime.
Why Winter May Be a Great Time to List Your Home
Fewer buyers are shopping for a home during the winter months, which means there are fewer homes to compete against. The buyers that are willing to come shop during winter are more committed, and that is a big advantage. Your home may not be shown as many times as it would in the summer, but, in reality, you only need one buyer to make your home sale a success.
Negotiations during the winter tend to be quicker and involve less back and forth as each party prepares to complete the purchase.
In fact, a Redfin 2-year market analysis from 2013 found that homes listed in the winter have a 9% greater advantage to selling, sell a week faster on average, and sell for 1.2% more money.
Sounds motivating to me.
*Of course, not every situation is the same. You should always consult a knowledgeable Realtor for your area about listing your home.
Even if you don’t list during the winter, you can use this time to prepare for spring. If you get the repainting, decluttering and staging out of the way during the cold season, you will be ready for an influx of buyers when the sun comes out. Your Realtor can give you advice on how to prepare your home. If you want some tips right now, check out the related article below.
Why Winter May Be a Fantastic Time to Buy a Home
It takes a specific commitment to go looking at homes all over town during the wintertime. Buyers during the winter can expect less competition. This creates a buyer’s market where you’re more likely to ink the deal you really want.
Sellers will often have a specific reason to sell and will be motivated to complete the sale quickly and without prolonged negotiations. They may be trying to sell before the end of the year. They might be planning a move out of the area. Winter is a common time for companies to relocate employees.
As an added benefit, viewing a home during the winter gives you the best chance to evaluate the quality of major systems. The heating and plumbing systems in a home work overtime during the winter. Often, home issues that hide all year long can be seen during the winter months.
Realtors will have fewer clients during the winter, allowing them to focus better on your situation. Who doesn’t like someone dedicating extra time to serve them?
Final Thought on Winter Real Estate
Whether you are buying or selling a home, winter brings out committed sellers, buyers and Realtors. Overall, people are more realistic during the winter season.
I know I will be hard at work this winter. Why not join me for some hot cocoa and discussion about your winter real estate options?
Do you have any questions about the real estate market in Sanpete during the winter months? Ask away in the comments.
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