Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until Spring to List Your Home in Columbus
Home in the winter
More Than Just Location: What Really Sells a Home
There’s a familiar realtor saying about the parameters and saleability of real estate: “Location! Location! Location!” While location is extremely important, it is only one of three critical factors weighing in on the buyer’s decision regarding submitting an offer on your listed home. The other two factors are the home’s condition, and the list price. I believe that to have a successful sale, you need at least two of the three factors to gain offers.
Let’s say you have a less-than-desirable location, or the condition might need some work, and you’re willing to sell at a fair but not elevated price, well you might want to consider a fourth factor into the equation of saleability: Timing. Consider listing in the off-season winter months to gain that win-win sale before your competition heats up.
Why Winter Buyers Mean Serious Business
Winter is a great time to list. In my experience, winter is the season when buyers are committed to purchasing even though it’s a time when the fewest homes are on the market. Buyers shopping when it is freezing outside are HIGHLY MOTIVATED buyers. I’ve never had a winter-season buyer exit their warm car, enter the freezing cold, then tour a home for sale just out of curiosity. No tire-kickers here. Those buyers that are house hunting in November – February are pre-qualified for a mortgage with the ability to submit an offer and in-the-market to move now.
Listing in Spring? Be Ready for Serious Competition
While the timing of a spring listing during THE prime real estate selling season may seem ideal, it is also when your home will have the greatest competition from other real estate listings… all competing for your potential buyer’s interest. If your home is not 100% listing ready, selling in the “off” season may get you noticed and SOLD with fewer days on the market, which means a better net profit for you.
Winter May Work in Your Favor (Even If Your Home Isn’t Perfect)
If your home lacks a second bathroom, has a dated kitchen, off trend fixtures and appliances or not the ideal location, you have a better chance of selling your home “off season” in the winter possibly without the need for out-of-pocket upgrades. When you’re not competing against a myriad of new listings featuring numerous full baths, on trend colors and fixtures and a stylish new kitchen, a fairly priced winter home sale can be a win-win for both the seller and buyer.
Sold and Settled Sooner
Remember, a winter-season buyer can be in-contract, ready to close, and moving day just 30 days away. While the spring-season buyers are unpacking in June, the winter buyer can go on a well-deserved vacation. We can all look forward to that!