Should I Put My House on the Market During the Holidays?
Every year, right around Thanksgiving, I am asked the same question: Should I put my house on the market during the holidays? Actually, people usually say something more like: Now isn't the best time to put my house on the market, is it?
Of course, sellers have already assumed that the holiday season is NOT a good time to try to sell their homes, and they are looking for agreement from me. I don't agree with them, and here is why:
Less Competition
Many people don't want to be bothered with showings around the holidays so they take their homes off the market. As a result, inventory levels drop. So if you do decide to sell, you will have less competition.
Relocations in the New Year
People accept new jobs starting right after the first of the year, and they will need to find housing before hand. Those who transfer into an area must get settled, and that often means that they will be out looking at houses during the holidays. They could be looking at yours.
Serious Buyers
Casual buyers and career lookers suspend their viewing activity during the holiday season, so the buyers who are out there are more serious. You may not get as many showings, but those who do schedule a showing are more serious. They are looking because they have to.
Holiday Ambience
Everyone knows that people buy the house they can see themselves living in--in other words, they buy a home. Nothing makes a house seem more like a home than tasteful holiday decorations. Soft lighting, holiday fragrances, and beautiful decor will help them envision themselves there for the next holiday. Sellers can take advantage of the nostalgia during the holiday season.
Flexibility in Showings
Many sellers are worried that someone will want to see their home when they have a holiday gathering planned. Buyers and their agents know that holidays can be busy times in general, and they tend to be more flexible about showings. Sellers should know that it is OK to work with buyers' agents to schedule a showing that isn't disruptive.
Avoiding the Spring Rush
Spring is, hands down, the most popular time to list a home. Those who choose to put their homes on the market now will beat the spring rush. Inventory levels are high in the spring, competition is fierce, and the lookers come out in droves to check out landscaping ideas. You will avoid all that if you put your home on the market during the holidays.
Of course, now is not the time for everyone to list, but if you need to sell now, don't be fearful of putting your home on the market during the holidays. The holidays offer some great advantages. People do buy homes during the holidays, and yours may just be one of them.
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Peggy Chirico, REALTOR®
Serving the Greater Hartford Area
Prudential CT Realty
peggychirico@gmail.com
860-748-8900
If you are buying or selling a home in Hartford County or Tolland County, please call me, email me, or visit my website. I would be happy to help you with your home search or provide a market analysis for your home.
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