Below are five compelling reasons to list your house this winter.
1. Demand Is Strong
The latest Buyer Traffic Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR)
shows that buyer demand remains strong throughout the vast majority of
the country. These buyers are ready, willing, and able to purchase, and
are in the market right now. More often than not, in many areas of the
country, multiple buyers are competing with each other to buy the same
home. Take advantage of the buyer activity currently in the market.
2. There Is Less Competition Now
Inventory is still under the 6-month supply needed for a normal housing market.
This means in the majority of the country, there are not enough homes
for sale to satisfy the number of buyers in the market.
Historically, a homeowner would stay an average of six years in his or her home. Since 2011, that number has
hovered between nine and ten years. There is a pent-up desire for many
homeowners to move as they were unable to sell over the last few years
due to a negative equity situation. As home values continue to
appreciate, more and more homeowners will be given the freedom to move.
Many homeowners were reluctant to list their homes over the last
couple of years, for fear they would not find a home to move into. That
is all changing now as more homes come to market at the higher end. The
choices buyers have will continue to increase. Don’t wait until
additional inventory comes to market before you decide to sell.
3. Buyers Are Serious at This Time of Year
Traditionally, homeowners think about spring as a great time to list their homes, when more buyer
traffic may be out there actively searching. In the winter, however, the
buyers who are seeking a home – whether for relocation or otherwise –
are serious ones. They’re ready to make offers and they’re eager to
move, often quickly. Your house may be exactly what they’re looking for,
so listing when other potential sellers are holding off may be your
best opportunity to shine.
4. There Will Never Be a Better Time to Move Up
If your next move will be into the premium or luxury market, now is the time to move up. There is currently ample inventory for sale at higher price ranges. This means if you’re planning on
selling a starter or trade-up home and moving into your dream home,
you’ll be able to do that now. Demand for your entry-level home is high,
and inventory in the luxury or premium market is too.
According to CoreLogic,
prices are projected to appreciate by 5.6% over the next year. If you
are moving to a higher-priced home, it will wind up costing you more in
raw dollars (both in down payment and in your mortgage) if you wait.
5. It’s Time to Move On With Your Life
Look at the reason you decided to sell in the first place and determine whether it’s worth
waiting. Is money more important than being with family? Are you ready
to go on with your life the way you think you should?
Only you know the answers to these questions. You have the power to
take control of the situation by putting your home on the market this
winter. Perhaps the time has come for you and your family to move on and
start living the life you desire.
That is what is truly important