What you should know about selling right before the holidays

Key insights

• While snowy weather may have a slight tendency to slow the market, current homebuyer demand remains high, which is good news for fall and winter sellers.
• Added contingencies can bring winter home sellers peace of mind that their sale will close at the most convenient time for them and not in the midst of the holidays.
• In-market buyers are highly motivated and qualified, so many holiday sellers can expect strong offers.

The holiday rush is approaching and many would-be home sellers are wondering if it’s too late in the year to put their house on the market. In reality, there are benefits to selling in every season. If you hope to sell your home before the holidays, but you aren’t sure what to expect this time of year, read these tips to help you move forward.

Winter buyers are motivated

Buyers who come to home showings during the winter months are highly motivated and ready to move. How do we know? In most cases, people aren’t out searching for homes – or trekking through the snow – during this busy season unless they truly need to be.

Whether pre-holiday buyers are moving into town for a new job, hoping to avoid another long winter commute or trying to switch school districts before the start of spring semester, they are shopping now for a reason. As a seller, you can assume that you have some leverage as you plan the price or timeline of your home sale.

Choose the timing of your home sale

Recognize that as the home seller in a sellers’ market, you have more control over the date of your sale. Whether you want a fresh start in a new house or to enjoy one last holiday season in your current home, you can work with your REALTOR® to ensure you get the memories that you are hoping for.

Of course, your buyer may have a deadline, too — which means that you’ll still have to work together to communicate and negotiate a contract that best suits both parties. A few points of negotiation may be to request or propose:

• Contingencies regarding the move-out timeline
• A delayed closing
• A sped-up closing

Quality is better than quantity

Inevitably, this time of year leads to fewer showings. But don't be wary of getting a lower offer just because you aren't seeing multiple showing requests in one day or because you haven't received an offer within the first few days of listing.

The spring and summer “looky-loos” that come through open houses with no intent of purchasing aren’t as common in the winter months. By listing this time of year, you may avoid these low-intent buyers, but you will likely hear from a smaller group of quality buyers who are ready to close. Prospective home buyers during the winter season tend to be highly motivated, thoughtful, prepared and ready to move.

You'll stand out

If you listed your home but it didn’t sell this fall, you may feel that it’s best to wait until spring to try again. That mentality is exactly why some homeowners prefer to sell now. Because there’s less competition among sellers, homes listed now will stand out.

Low inventory forces buyers to compete and pay more for a home, and you won’t find lower inventory than right before the holidays. Check out your local market to see if your home will be one of only a few “for sale” listings in the area. If so, you may be able to list your home for the right price and avoid the increased activity of the spring selling season altogether.

Hoping to sell before the holidays hit?

Home sale prices are remaining steadily strong in our area. So, even though the fall and winter months tend to bring fewer home sales, homeowners should be in a strong position to sell this holiday season.

To begin moving forward with your home sale, reach out to Edina Realty or your agent today.