The Benefits of a Winter Listing

Not everyone has the luxury of waiting until the spring to put their home on the market. The good news is: there are several benefits to selling a house during the winter months. Though the market may be slower, your home is sure to get more attention from potential buyers who are not willing or able to wait until the warmer months to purchase a home. Consider the pros of a winter listing before you decide to wait to list.

Limited inventory means less competition

During the wintertime, there are typically fewer houses for sale than during the spring or summer months. This narrows the pool of homes available for buyers, making it more likely that a buyer would seriously consider purchasing your home. 

Buyers are typically more motivated

Rarely do buyers go house hunting during the winter just for fun. After all, it’s cold outside. It is less likely that an open house will attract casual buyers during the winter months. So, while there may be fewer buyers during the winter, the buyers who are around are usually very motivated. Perhaps they are relocating for work purposes, or maybe they desperately need a larger home. Whatever the reason, winter buyers tend to be serious buyers.

You can highlight your home’s energy efficiency

Does your home have one or several energy efficient features? If so, selling during the cold months could be an excellent way to highlight some of your home’s big selling points. Nearly every homebuyer is looking for ways to save money on energy bills. A winterized home that already has desirable energy efficient features will certainly make a good impression on potential homebuyers. Energy efficient features to highlight include smart thermostats, quality window treatments, energy efficient dual-pane windows, new attic insulation, a newer HVAC system, recently cleaned air ducts and vents, and a tankless water heater.

The desire to own a home does not stop during the winter. As a seller, you can restrict the showings of your house to days and times that are most convenient for you. This strategy can help you minimize disruptions.

Also consider that rents have skyrocketed in recent years. Many people are looking to escape rising rents and avoid renting for another year, especially when they consider that they could be investing in an equity-building place of their own. Your home could be their ticket to leaving renting behind for good.

If you are considering selling, reach out to your trusted realtor to discuss if it makes sense in your particular situation to sell sooner rather than waiting. With the right marketing, staging, and showing plan, winter may be an excellent time for you to sell! 

 

Debbie Austin is a realtor associate with Keller Williams, Roseville and has been helping clients buy and sell property in the area for 18 years. If you have a specific real estate question you wish to see addressed, contact Debbie at (916) 223-8144 or visit debbieaustinrealty.com.