Momentum - Business to Business Online Magazine October 2018 | Page 38

The Advantages of Selling Your House During the Off-Season By: Deborah Bly RE/MAX Space Center - The Bly Team [email protected] The fall and winter and winter seasons are on their way! In many areas of the country this would be considered to be the “off-seasons” for selling a home. While this to some extent still holds true for our area, we are not as impacted as some other areas around the country that are seized by cold winters and snow. The one questioned I am frequently asked is: Is Now...The “off season” a good time to sell? There is a notion that fewer people are hunting for homes hence the worry that a home might not sell. While there are fewer homes actually selling in the off season this does not necessarily have to work against you. Here are the advantages of selling your house during the off-season. #1 Lower inventory means fewer houses being sold- There tends to be less inventory in the cooler seasons, which works to your advantage. Less homes for sale, means less competition. This could make it easier to sell your house, since buyers don’t have as many options. Lower inventory also means you might be able to sell your house at a more favorable price, since buyers have less to choose from. #3 Time off in the Thanksgiving and Christmas Season- Especially for those relocating in from another area of the country being able to move over the holiday season while schools are on break and people can take time off of work can be very favorable! #4 Cool Weather- Better Buying Experience - Many people hate shopping for homes during the warmer seasons. Let’s face it, walking around in hot weather is just not fun! Especially in Houston, where the weather is often 100+ degrees in the summer. The cool weather can work for your advantage. Show off the warmness and approachability of your home while decorated for the holidays. As you can see, there are quite a few advantages to selling during what most real estate professionals consider being the “off-season”. Yes, it might be a big distraction from the holidays and add a little more to your typically already full plate in the fall and winter months, the advantages might just make it worth it! #2 Buyers are extra motivated - Since its typically not ideal to buy or sell a home in the fall and winter seasons, people that are looking to buy a home during this time are more motivated. These motivated buyers might have a pressing matter that is pushing them to want to close on a house quickly such as job relocation or some kind of major life change that is forcing them to move. This can work in a seller’s favor. MOMENTUM / October 2018 38