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