Every year I have clients that ask me about listing their home in the winter. The old myth that winter is not the time to list or sell your home is just that…a myth!
I have sold homes and properties in the winter, spring, summer and fall.
Really.
I remember about two years ago closing on a lovely farm house and the closing was the first week of January. Another home ($1.8 million) went under contract in November and closed between Christmas and New Years!
My personal belief is that there is always a BUYER out there ready to purchase your home. The season doesn’t matter. When the time is right..the right Buyer will come along. In the meantime, below are…
FIVE GOOD REASONS TO SELL YOUR HOME THIS WINTER~
- Demand Is Strong
The latest Buyer Traffic Report from the National Association of Realtors ( NAR) shows that buyer demand remains strong throughout the vast majority of the country. These buyers are ready, willing, and able to purchase, and are in the market right now. More often than not, in many areas of the country, multiple buyers are competing with each other to buy the same home. Atlanta is NO exception. The Buyers are looking for YOUR home. You may just want to take advantage of the buyer activity currently in the market.
- There Is Less Competition Now
Inventory is still under the 6-month supply needed for a normal housing market. (And less in many areas in the Atlanta area. This means in the majority of the country, there are not enough homes for sale to satisfy the number of buyers in the market.
Historically, a homeowner would stay an average of six years in his or her home. Since 2011, that number has hovered between nine and ten years. That said, there is a pent-up desire for many homeowners to move as they were unable to sell over the last few years due to a negative equity situation. As home values continue to appreciate, more and more homeowners will be given the freedom to move.
Many homeowners were reluctant to list their homes over the last couple of years, for fear they would not find a home to move into. That is all changing now as more homes are coming on the market at the higher price range. The choices buyers have will continue to increase. Don’t wait until additional inventory comes to market before you decide to sell. BE AHEAD OF THE MARKET!
- Buyers Are Serious at This Time of Year
Traditionally, homeowners think about spring as a great time to list their homes, when more buyer traffic may be out there actively searching. In the winter, however, the buyers who are seeking a home – whether for relocation or otherwise – are serious ones. They’re ready to make offers and they’re eager to move, often quickly. Your house may be exactly what they’re looking for, so listing when other potential sellers are holding off may be your best opportunity to shine.
- There Will Never Be a Better Time to Move Up
If your next move will be into the premium or luxury market, now is the time to move up. There is currently ample inventory for sale at higher price ranges. This means if you’re planning on selling a starter or trade-up home and moving into your dream home, you’ll be able to do that now. Demand for your entry-level home is high, and inventory in the luxury or premium market is too.
According to CoreLogic, prices are projected to appreciate by 5.6% over the next year. If you are moving to a higher-priced home, it will wind up costing you more in raw dollars (both in down payment and in your mortgage) if you wait.
- It’s Time to Move On With Your Life
Look at the reason you decided to sell in the first place and determine whether it’s worth waiting.
*Is money more important than being with family?
*Are you ready to follow your dream?
*Is there a lifestyle change you are wanting to make?
Only you know the answers to these questions. You have the power to take control of the situation by putting your home on the market NOW. Perhaps the time has come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire.
That is what is truly important.
If I can answer any questions for you or if you want me to do a comparative marketing study (FREE) on your home, call me today to schedule an appointment to discuss questions. (Or we can just chat about real estate) You can reach me on my cell at 404.219.1938.
Anita G. Wheeler/BROKER 404.219.1938 E-mail: AtlantaTopRealtor(at)gmail(dotted)com
Member of the Institute of Luxury Home Marketing Certified Master Negotiator Social Media & Marketing