Why Winter Is A Great Time to Sell
Why Winter Is A Great Time to Sell
In real estate, timing is everything. And what we’ve learned from our decades of experience in the industry is that January and February sales in the Bay Area are strong. With fewer homes on the market, there’s less competition from other sellers and limited inventory for buyers. On top of that, buyers shopping in the winter – because of a job relocation or change in family needs – are also likely to be more motivated. Here are 3 reasons to start prepping now so you can reap the rewards of a winter sale.
1. The Winter Season Is on Your Side
Choosing the right time to put your home on the market will help you sell faster and usually for more money. While spring and summer are generally the most popular times of year to sell a house, those seasons are crowded with options. The winter months, on the other hand, have some pretty significant factors working in your favor. There are fewer homes for sale, meaning buyers have less to choose from. With fewer homes on the market, there’s also less competition from other sellers. And with its temperate climate, the San Francisco Bay Area isn’t affected by the harsh winter conditions that make home searches less favorable this time of year in other parts of the country. Two more benefits of listing in the winter? Year-end bonuses could mean buyers are more flush with cash, and three-day weekends like MLK and Presidents Day give buyers some extra time off for home shopping.
2. You’ll Be A Top Priority for Your Real Estate Agent
Winter months are typically considered the slow season for real estate agents, and in this case, that’s not a bad thing. In the busy spring and summer months, agents might be stretched too thin and your home might not get the attention it deserves. In the winter, this isn’t a problem. When agents have fewer listings, sellers get their undivided attention, meaning you can be sure your home will be listed in all the right places. This time of year, agents will do everything they can to help you sell because you’re their top priority. If you’re thinking about selling your house in the winter season, partnering with a top real estate agent early in the process can be a great move. When searching for the right agent, ask them about their experience with winter sales and what their strategies are for marketing your home to buyers. Not sure where to start? Check out our list of top agents in the San Francisco Bay Area. Since a reasonably priced home will sell quickly no matter the season, your agent can also help you set the right price to attract the most buyers. If your home is priced fairly, winter buyers will be less inclined to negotiate down and you’ll likely sell for closer to your asking price. Plus, since there’s less inventory on the market, buyers won’t want to risk losing out on a good home at the right value.
3. Winter Buyers Are More Serious
Despite what you may think, market forces like inflation, rising interest rates, and a fluctuating stock market aren’t the only factors that determine when buyers are looking. Often, it’s more about underlying causes and life changes (births, deaths, marriages, divorces) that influence buyers most. That’s all to say that winter buyers mean business. They’re typically moving out of necessity – whether it’s an expiring lease, change in family situation, or relocation – and working against a deadline. With the busy holiday season behind them, they’re approaching the new year motivated and with a move-ready mindset. January is one of the biggest months for job relocations and buyers often have a short window to get their families resituated in a new home. Many employers even offer relocation benefits, which can make the negotiation process with buyers a little easier.
The Bottom Line
Beginning the preparation process early allows you to tackle the upgrades your home needs to increase your property’s value and make sure it stands out on the market. If you’re thinking of selling in 2023, now is the best time to bring in NurtureSource to help you start planning and prepping for sale. From cosmetic fixes to larger design enhancements, our expert team is ready to help you tackle the upgrades that can maximize your return. We use the power of design to create real value, and our team is dedicated to helping you every step of the way.
Ready to start planning? Let’s talk. Schedule a call today.
