Nothing new here - just some tried and true reasons why listing in time for the holidays is better than waiting for the New Year!
1. (Most Importantly) People who look for homes during the holidays are more serious buyers - you will not have as many showings as you would come Spring time, but generally, the people who do come to check out your property are more serious and motivated.
2. Serious Buyers have less listings to choose from, which creates a temporary Seller's market.
3. The supply of listings increases come January creating less demand for your home in particular. Beat the crowd!
4. Houses usually show better when decorated. Over-decorating can be caveat, along with strong-scented candles, but on the whole, decorating provides a warm, cozy and inviting feel.
5. Buyers are more emotional during the holidays, so they are more likely to pay your price (if priced appropriately).
6. Buyers are off work during the holidays and have more time to look around.
7. Some people must buy before the end of the year for financial considerations.
8. January can often be a month where employees being new jobs - transferring to the area. They cannot wait until Spring to buy, so capture that market now.
9. By selling now, depending on your situation, you can request a Spring closing. The Buyer purchases your home while there is little to choose from, and you purchase during the Spring with lots of options (Sell high - Buy low).
10. There are still Buyers looking for that perfect recreational property and they want the transaction to close so they can start using it in Spring - they are running out of time!
The most popular question we get from people is "when is the best time of year to list our property". The answer is simply - a) residential properties - there is no bad time. You never know when that "perfect buyer" is going to come along - there are many reasons why people are purchasing their home and personal lives do not often stick to a season; b) recreational - Spring gets you the eager-beavers, Summer gets a mix, but some have already purchased, and Fall gets you those who are still dying to purchase but couldn't find anything in Spring and Summer. There are good reasons why you should list in each of those seasons. The only season that is tough is Winter. Many cottages have their water turned off for Winter, heat is down, and quite often they are on a seasonal road. Listing in January or February makes the property look like it has been listed a long time, when truly the selling season hasn't started yet. List at the beginning of March so we can market your property at the Cottage Life Show in Toronto - the kick-0ff for the season, but not sooner than March!
It is also easy to have a list of "simple rules" but remember, each situation is completely different. We are, in the end, dealing with people, not just their properties, so it is best to talk your personal situation over with your realtor to create the best individualized strategy, for the best results!
