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Winter and the holidays are upon us and you’re wondering…is this really a good time to list my home for sale?

Home buyers are preoccupied with Christmas shopping, entertaining, attending parties, or packing for a vacation on the beach…aren’t they? Times have changed.  Now that the world’s gone digital, there’s no off-season for house-hunting. In fact, the holiday season offers some distinct advantages for those selling their home.

Here are a few reasons you should list your home for sale this season:

1. House-hunting online never stops
2. There’s less competition
3. The psychological advantage to that “holiday” feeling
4. Buyers are post-Christmas shopping

House-hunting online never stops

The digital revolution has upended everything – including how and when we buy.  A smartphone, tablet or computer is never far from reach.  That means if potential home buyers aren’t checking an app for new listings, they’re getting email and other notifications…and all this is happening at the holiday party, while Christmas shopping, and just before pulling those Christmas cookies out of the oven.  That means it’s GAME ON for selling your home year-round. There is traditionally less inventory for buyers, but today’s buyer is always on the hunt.

Less competition

It’s the captive audience effect.  Less inventory of homes on the market means less competition for you, which is good news; that means more buyers are looking at your home more often than they would otherwise. This is the time to wow them with a home that’s move-in ready and priced well. If you’re thinking about listing your home – now is a perfect time when house hunters are delighted to find a new home to consider.

Your home has that holiday feeling

Photo:  Reader’s Digest

There’s a psychological advantage to selling your home during the holidays.  You want potential buyers to walk into your house and feel like it’s home – to imagine what Christmas would be like for their family in your home next year.  Create that holiday feeling with a cozy fire burning in the family room, the smell of fresh pine filling the place, and a home that is clean, de-cluttered, and tastefully decorated.

If that description fills you with anxiety – never fear. The Faris Team has a professional, exclusive home stager who will walk you through a comprehensive three-step home staging process, so you will not have to figure this out on your own.

Buyers are post-Christmas house shopping

For some of you, the thought of keeping the house clean and vacant for showings while the kids are home on Christmas break and your relatives are visiting from out of town can be overwhelming.  You can still make the most of an advantageous market for sellers by waiting until the madness is over and listing your property in the new year.

The captive audience effect kicks into high gear in January.  January inventory is still very light, and at the same time, there’s an increase in buyers calling up Realtors® wanting to get into the game. Whether it’s New Year’s resolutions to stop renting and buy or year-end tax planning motivating buyers, there’s a renewed interest in home ownership in January.

Listing or keeping your home on the market for the holidays and through to January is a gift to motivated home buyers looking for good inventory.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity to give a gift that is likely to give back!

What if it IS listed…but not selling?

It’s time for a holiday sale strategy. If your house has been on the market for a while and still hasn’t sold, now is the time to re-evaluate your strategy.  Is there some major obstacle getting in the way of selling your home?  Have you had feedback about issues with your home from showings?  Now is the time to address those issues by fixing whatever you can, otherwise perhaps it’s time to renew the interest of buyers and their agents by implementing a price improvement. Everyone loves a Christmas sale, and a real estate sale is no exception. Talk to your Realtor® for the best advice in your specific situation and check out my blog on the top three reasons why homes don’t sell.

Still undecided? Let’s talk:  1-888-444-9533 or
contact@faristeam.ca

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