Winter is absolutely a great time to sell your home!
Winter buyers are very motivated, and the inventory is incredibly low.
Most buyers prefer to buy and move in the spring or summer. Therefore, most winter buyers are in the market due to an unplanned event. Typically winter buyers are driven by a job relocation or changes in family situations. They must buy, in a low inventory market, which places the sellers in a very powerful position.
However, it is important for the sellers to understand these motivations, so they can take full advantage of the situation.
- Sellers should price their homes correctly, and hold firm to the price. Winter buyers are in a hurry, and don’t have time for long negotiations. If the price is too high, they will pass on it.
- Sellers need to keep their home in top condition, and make all needed repairs. Winter buyers tend to prefer move-in ready homes. They are dealing with a change in jobs or family, and do not have time to deal with home repairs. Sellers should be proactive in getting their own home inspection, and immediatly make all recommended repairs.
- Sellers should keep the home clean and bright. This is hard in the winter, with all the snow and shorter days, but doing so will make the home stand out among the other homes on the market.
- Sellers need to focus on first impressions. Winter buyers tend to make very fast decisions. Sellers need to keep the sidewalks clear of snow, keep lights on the porch, and make the home warm and inviting.
Seller who follow these rules will stand out in a much smaller field of homes. In doing so, they can easily sell for a higher price than if they wait until the crowded spring market.
Kyle Alfriend has been a realtor for over 25 years, and sold over 1600 homes in central Ohio.
