Everyone knows Spring is real estate season. That’s the time of the year when more houses go on the market and people are out shopping for a new home. However, what you don’t always hear is that plenty of houses are selling during the Holidays. In fact, according to National Association of Realtor statistics fully 12% of existing home sales take place during December and January (compared with 19% in April and May). Here are some of the top reasons to sell during the holidays:
- Home Buyer Tax Credit Extended. This year presents a unique reason to sell during the holidays. The extension of the HomeBuyer Tax Credit means that more people will be looking to take advantage of a once in a lifetime chance to save big on their home purchase. This represents a huge savings for home buyers and there’s not much time to take advantage of it as it ends in April 2010.
- Less Competition. Selling during the Spring means that your property will be competing with far more others for the pool of existing buyers. Selling in December and January means less competition which means you’ll likely sell faster and for a higher price.
- Homes Feel Homier. What’s more inviting than a home at Christmas time? Holiday wreaths, holiday lighting, the smell of the Christmas tree and mistletoe, the warmth of hearthfires burning, etc. make for that feeling of home we all long for and enjoy. Who wouldn’t want to buy a Norman Rockwell lifespace?
- You’ve Already Cleaned Up. Chances are with the Holidays you’ve already cleaned up your home in anticipation of coming the procession of holiday guests. What better time to show your home to prospective buyers than when you can “kill two birds with one stone”?
- Serious Buyers. It’s a fact. People are buying homes all year long – even on Christmas eve. If someone’s out looking for homes during the holidays they are intent on buying a home – and soon. Instead of people drapsing through your home at all hours you’ll likely only get people who are ready to buy right now. Fewer showings – higher likelihood of selling.
- Hungrier Agents. Not only are buyers more serious this time of year, agents are more intent on making a sale. With fewer sales during the winter months agents are having to work harder than usual to make a living. This is a powerful combination – motivated buyers and agents both working to get your home sold.
If you do decide to join the hundreds of thousands of sellers who sell each year during the Holidays, make sure you’ve got the house in tip-top shape. As always showing well and pricing right are the two main determinates as to whether or not your home sells.
