The Best Time to Sell a House: The Truth about It

When it comes to real estate, spring is typically the optimal season to sell a property. After all, many people hibernate over the winter or are too preoccupied with the holidays to consider acquiring a new residence. Significantly, people like to begin shopping in the spring to settle into their new houses before the start of the school year. However, what if you cannot wait till the weather warms up to list your home? Should you consider selling your home over the Christmas season? 

The holiday season may not appear to be the ideal time, but there are advantages if you position your home properly. Here are six reasons why the best time to sell a house is around the holidays.

6 Reasons Why the Holidays Are the Best Time to Sell a House

1. Winter buyers are more eager.

Normally, almost all of the open houses occur in the spring and early summer. It is not uncommon for people to enter a property without a clear intent to purchase. People frequently see properties for no other reason than to do so. After all, open homes are a popular hobby among many Americans.

However, if your home is on the market in the winter and someone is seeing it, it is likely that they are serious about purchasing. Anyone searching for a new house between Thanksgiving and the New Year is likely to be an eager buyer. They won’t waste their time seeing how the other half lives over the holidays. Thus, putting your house up for sale at this time of year and finding an eager buyer will frequently result in a speedier sale.

2. Festive communities are inviting.

Numerous people outfit their houses with holiday lights and decorations throughout the holiday season. This is also true in local villages, as flowers and illuminated snowflakes adorn lampposts across the main streets. People purchasing a house around this time may view the community in a new light and be more receptive to a neighborhood that they were previously on the fence about. This is all about emotional manipulation. People who purchase around this time of year may be more prone to emotional purchases. Therefore, it is advantageous if there are several emotional triggers that might attract them.

3. During winter, there are fewer available houses.

In accordance with conventional thinking, the optimal time to sell a property is during the spring. In fact, when the weather warms up in spring, inventory levels often increase. This frequently causes price wars to erupt in communities that are very desirable. In other instances, a property in a desirable neighborhood with a large number of potential buyers may only be on the market for a few days or weeks. However, this does not imply that consumers do not search or purchase during other seasons. In reality, there are several residences offered around the holidays that may attract a higher price, despite the limited supply. If you play your cards properly, you might be able to sell your property faster than those listed in the spring.

A contributing factor is the lack of competition over the holidays. Many sellers don’t want to advertise their homes immediately before or during the holidays. Some people don’t want visitors stepping in snow and mud during each show, while others just want to enjoy the holidays with their families.

4. People may make decisions based on a house’s vibe.

People commonly congregate around fires, sip hot chocolate, and create cookies and cakes over the holidays. During the winter months, homeowners who list their homes for sale can prepare their homes to emanate a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that is appealing to many purchasers. Some may say that exhibiting a house in the winter is difficult due to the snow on the ground, the draftiness of the home, and the lack of curb appeal. However, increasing the temperature, baking a delicious dessert, and clearing the sidewalk and driveway of snow and ice may increase the charm of a property.

5. The end of the year is when job transfers usually occur.

Timing is another reason. The end of the year is when people are alerted that they will be relocating due to a job transfer or when they receive an irresistible offer from another organization. As a result, those people will need a home sooner rather than later. They will be house-looking throughout the holidays. These purchasers cannot wait until spring, which is one reason why advertising the house before the holidays might result in a rapid sale.

6. Mortgage interest, property taxes, and loan interest are deductible.

Reduced property taxes may not be the primary reason buyer acquire a new house, but it may be a factor in why serious buyers relocate around the holidays. This is because buyers can deduct mortgage interest, property taxes, and loan interest payments if the deal closes by December 31 or earlier. Obviously, new tax regulations limit the deduction. However, the tax benefits might still encourage a buyer to relocate during the holidays rather than in the spring.

Getting Ready to Sell the House

If you want to sell the house during the holidays, you must ensure that it is attractive to potential buyers. Here are some preparation suggestions:

1. Make any required repairs

If any repairs are required, make sure to do them before listing your home for sale. Potential buyers want a move-in ready house, and any repairs may discourage them from making an offer.

2. Decorate elegantly

It is important to decorate elegantly, even if it is desirable to create a joyful environment in your house. Avoid excessive decorations that might distract prospective buyers. Use simple and beautiful décor to create a warm and inviting environment.

3. De-clutter and clean

Make sure that the house is clean and clutter-free before placing it on the market. Remove any unneeded stuff and tidy up your house to make it appear larger and more welcome.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when you sell your house around the holidays, you will encounter less competition, find more eager buyers, and may even be able to close the deal more quickly. It also provides a unique chance to create a warm and pleasant atmosphere, which is impossible during the spring and summer. Therefore, the best time to sell a house is around the holidays. 

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Source: Investopedia