Why You Should Sell Your Home During the Holidays

Sounds counter-intuitive, right? Selling your home in the winter and during the holidays sounds impractical, maybe even inadvisable. Many homesellers, and even agents, are in line with thinking that it’s better to just wait for after the holidays and until spring to list a home for sale. This sounds like it makes sense, but it’s a mistake for several reasons…

Waiting for Spring Puts You in a Less Favorable Position

First and foremost, it’s always easier for an agent to promise you that they can sell your home in the spring, because, really, who cant? Spring is the busiest time of year in real estate and just about any decent agent should be able to do you that service. But remember, if you’re waiting to list in the spring, guess who’s also doing that? The Washington D.C./Montgomery County area is such a desirable place to live that every spring and summer we are flooded with buyers and sellers alike. Each spring there’s an influx of new inventory on the market and home inventory gets to its peak. This is a meaningful fact to you has a seller because when there’s high inventory, there’s more competition, and therefore, you’ll have to compete for buyers on the margin of price. Home prices go down with increased demand and competition, so if you want to get the most value out of your home, the winter holiday market make it a great time to do so.

Selling in the Winter Gives You More Leverage as a Seller

Listing in the winter ultimately gives you more leverage as a seller. With less homes on the market, there’s lower inventory and, therefore, less competition, meaning you can get a higher price for your home. The simple mechanics of supply and demand are at work here. The lower the supply with a given demand, the higher the price.

And importantly, what people often forget, there are still buyers out there! Just because the market is slower doesn’t mean there aren’t buyers out there who are determined to make a move. This puts you in a great position as a seller because buyers are more flexible and reasonable with price, which makes you more likely to be able to get a price you like. You’ll also have more control over the details of the sale because the buyers that need to buy, are going to buy! And whatever criteria need to be met to do so, they’re likely to meet.

Winter Buyers are Committed to Make a Deal

Winter buyers are also not your typical buyers, and they are definitely not the whimsical or simply curious buyers you frequently meet in the spring. Think about it: no one is looking for homes just for fun during the holidays. The winter holiday months are a busy time for everybody. So if you have somebody taking time out of their day to search for homes, that indicates that they’re a pretty serious buyer. These buyers are definitely going to buy someone’s house this season, and it might as well be yours!

To get the most money for your home and do it in a timeline that’s quick and easy for you, the winter is actually the best time of year to be a seller. Also, if your home is decorated for the holidays or simply spruced up for guests, your home already looks great for showing serious buyers what beauty and warmth is possible in your home.

Main Takeaways

Many people evaluate their home situation and their goals at the end of the year, wondering whether they should sell their homes now or wait until spring. The truth is that December and the winter months are a fantastic time of year to sell.

1. Buyers are more serious – No one wants to take time out of their holiday plans to look at homes if they don’t really need to buy. Winter buyers are serious and they won’t waste your time. They’re committed to make a move and it might as well be into your home!
2. There’s less inventory (and competition) – Everyone waits until spring to put their home on the market. With less homes inventory on the market, sellers have more leverage when it comes to attracting offers and in negotiating the terms of a contract.
3. You can get a better price – Because there’s lower inventory of homes for sale, buyers will be competing amongst themselves for desirable homes. This correlates with an increase in price for your home. Buyers will only be able to get the home they want by putting in a well-priced offer.
4. It’s an easier sale – Who doesn’t love seeing a home in holiday lights and decorations? Usually your home already looks fabulous during the holidays—either decorated nicely or cleaned up for guests. Your home already looks beauitful so preparing your home for showings to potential buyers will require less effort.

​If you’re a seller, keep these main points in mind when considering to list your home during the winter. Hopefully we can get together in person or on the phone so I can provide you with more detailed and local information that can help you in making your decision. I’m always a phone call or email away! You can reach me at 301-385-9213 and by email at josette@urbantreeproperties.com. Happy Holidays!