A Season for Selling or a Season for Thanksgiving?

Each year as November approaches, I get the same two questions about the real estate market.

1. Is this a suitable time to sell my house or should I wait? 

2. Do people buy homes during the holidays?

My answer is always; it depends! There are a few factors that contribute to what buyers and sellers are doing during November and December.

Time, Money & “Why”

Real estate trends always show a decline in market activity throughout the holiday season. People are busy as they prepare for a myriad of holiday celebrations which include everything from hosting large gatherings and work parties to attending school events for their children. For families, children may be home from college or maybe guests are visiting from out of town. Time is valuable and all of these “times” become important memories, so people are not willing to skip them. Time is not the only commodity impacted during this season; money is too! Consumer spending increases dramatically as gifts, décor, travel expenses and even food are usually excessive during the holiday season. Time and money are both key factors to consider, so the next question you must ask yourself is why am I selling?

If you are selling to make a local move, it may not be the right time to sell. If you are selling because you are starting a new job in another state, then you may need to sell to secure housing in a new location. I find that the “why” often helps people decide what is right for their specific circumstances.

Making Good Use of Winter Months

Once you have decided to hold off on listing your house, use the chilly winter days to get yourself and your home prepared.

1. Declutter your home. Go through each closet, basement storage areas and attic spaces and begin to decide what you need and what you will get rid of. Items can be sold, donated, or put in the garbage now. This is often both time-consuming and emotional as so many of our belongings correlate to people or life events.

2. Remove pictures, patch holes, and paint to freshen up where needed. This allows people to better envision your house as their new home.

3. Create an exterior to do list and complete when weather allows.

It is November, But I Have to Sell!

1. Professional photos are extremely important as internet and social media is often where consumers first see your home. Taking photos prior to decorating your home for the holidays is best. Photos with holiday décor date your listing and, in some cases, make rooms appear smaller than they are. Once photos are taken, decorate with home tours in mind.

2. Know in advance when you are hosting parties and notify the listing agent to block out those times; but do not be too restrictive. Allow the home to be available and expect most showings will occur during daylight hours.

3. Your home may have more days on market as potential buyers are focused on their holiday traditions.

There will always be a need for someone to buy a home, during all seasons and all months of the year. Moves happen. The exact timing on when someone will experience marriage, divorce, death, job transfer, a first home or a need to downsize can not always be anticipated in advance. Housing inventory is important, so whether it is time now or after the first of the year, you will have a successful sale with the right price and marketing strategy.

A Season for Thanksgiving!!

I would love the opportunity to help you decide what real estate decisions are right for you. I do not believe in a “season of thanksgiving,” because every day there is a reason to be thankful. I am thankful for the thousands of families that have allowed me to be a part of their real estate transaction here in Northwest Ohio. Just Call Jack at 419-574-1508!