Selling Your Home in Winter

Selling Homes in Slow Periods Winter can be a challenging time to sell a home. It's a time when many are busy on vacation or out of town, however, just like any other time of year, some people still need to buy homes.

If you implement the right strategy, you may be able to better reach people in the area. All home selling situations are unique, of course, so you will definitely want to enlist the help of a real estate agent to help you understand what moves will work best for you!

Potential Benefits of Selling in the Winter

Trying to sell your home during the winter months is not all bad. There are a few positives that come out of using the slow season to your advantage.

  • It May Sell Faster. According to studies, homes that were listed in the winter were statistically more likely to sell within the first 6 months on the market than those listed during the spring or summer. 
  • You Have Less Competition. Many people list their home during the warmer months so you will not have to compete with as many homes on the market. Your home may get more attention during the winter than in the summer simply because there are less homes on the market. 
  • You May Be Able to Sell For More. Because there are fewer homes on the market, the prices may rise - depending on your market. This isn't something that doubles the value of your home overnight, but you could possibly see an increase in your selling price equal to a couple thousand dollars. 
  • People Will be Relocating. While many people may be simply going on vacation, there are going to be a lot of people who are relocating for their jobs during the first quarter of the year. That makes the winter a beneficial time to list your home.

Tips for Selling in the Winter

If you want to be successful with selling your home in the winter, there are a few things to keep in mind. 

  • Price the Home Right. While this is important all year long, it is even more important in the winter. Price it too high and it will sit there without any bites. Price it too low and people may think something is wrong with it. Work with an agent to help determine the right list price for your home.
  • Add Some Warmth to the Home. Depending on your area, it may be colder outside compared to other months. If that is the case, during an open house or any showings, it can be helpful to add some warmth. This doesn't mean you have to put the heat on overdrive but it should be nice and toasty. Also, if you have a fireplace, consider getting it going so you can create a cozy feel.
  • Have an Inspection. During the winter months, buyers are interested in making sure that the heater works and that there are no issues with the roof. While this is something people look at all year long while they are buying homes, people tend to have this more on their mind during winter months so you may want to go ahead and get it done before you list the home. 
  • Work on the Curb Appeal. Whether it is snowing or not, during the winter, there tends to be a more gloomy look outdoors. Help your home stand out in listings by improving your curb appeal. You can do this with a fresh coat of paint, a well maintained yard, and other small actions.  

Choosing to sell your home in the winter can work for you if you plan accordingly. There are many ways to benefit from a winter listing and people do it every year. Using these tips can help you sell your home faster and possibly sell it for more than you thought you would.

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Dylan Snyder is a seasoned real estate professional serving the Jupiter real estate market, Palm Beach real estate market, Palm Beach Gardens real estate market, North Palm Beach real estate market, and the surrouding Palm Beach County area. Along with being a top producer in Jupiter real estate, Dylan's professionalism and expertise in luxury and waterfront real estate sets him and his team of real estate experts apart from the competition. For more information on Jupiter and Palm Beach real estate for sale, contact Dylan at (561) 951-9301.

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