The Benefits of Selling Your Home in the Fall and Winter

Should I sell my home in the fall or winter?  The answer is yes! So many potential sellers ask our group all the time – should I sell in the Fall?  Winter?  Or should I wait until Spring when there are more sales?  There are 5 reasons why the off-season can actually be a better time to sell.  

#1. Winter Buyers Are Serious 

Why else would you be slogging around in the cold and potentially the snow unless you had to?  The number of lookie-loos goes way down.  These people are generally ready to buy and again, it’s probably because they have to – they have sold their home, they have a job transfer, a split up – something has changed for them and it’s time.  They mean business and their house hunt is usually backed by serious motivation.  

#2. Some Houses Show Better in the Winter

Some homes just have that warm cozy feel.  Maybe it’s a feature fireplace or the seller is a huge Christmas decorator.  Some homes just inspire warmth and people can imagine themselves being warm and cozy in these Vernon homes.  This can’t happen during the hot and potentially smoky Summer months.  Just remember when showing your home after the snow flies that you have to keep driveways and sidewalks clear of snow and ice or else your home can show the opposite of cozy. Also, some yards show better in winter.  If your landscaping is a work in progress or you refuse to water your lawn yet have a ton of lawn, selling in the winter may be your friend.  

#3. Fewer Homes on the Market = Less Competition

Fall the inventory starts to decrease and in winter the inventory hits rock bottom.  And if you thought you already hit rock bottom with inventory, just wait until winter hits! There are always fewer properties on the market in the winter. And it’s because most sellers think they will wait until Spring.  Yet waiting until Spring you’re putting your home on the market when everyone else is.   Fewer options mean you have less competition. This inventory shortage can definitely bump up your chances of selling.  

#4.  Your Neighbourhood Looks Better

How pretty is your neighbourhood around Halloween or Thanksgiving or Christmas? Lighting and decorations just make a neighbourhood look more friendly and welcoming. You don’t get this type of advantage in the warmer spring, and summer months.

#5. You May Get Closer to Your Asking Price

How can that be?  Well, if there is less inventory, and fewer choices for buyers during the winter months, buyers may not have a choice but to pay your price. If your home is priced competitively and shows well, winter buyers may be less likely to try and negotiate the price down. Since they have fewer options, they are less likely to risk losing out on a good home at a fair price. During the more active and competitive summer months, where there is more competition, buyers are more likely to feel more compelled to negotiate the price and conditions as they have a backup plan.  When there are fewer homes on the market, there may not be a backup plan.

For more home selling tips, don’t forget to download below our ebrochure on “7 tips to a Fast House Sale”. 

Whether you’re looking to make a move in 9 days or 90 days, we are here to help!  Call, text, or email us at RE/MAX Vernon Salt Fowler and “Just Add Salt!”