Do houses sell in the winter?

As the chilly air moves in, many who are ready to sell their home wonder if they should push to list now or wait to list in the spring.

Before deciding what is best for you and your situation, I recommend scheduling a phone call or meeting with your real estate agent to discuss the local market and your options.

It’s true that in many markets, we see a peak in residential real estate activity in the spring months. However, in December and January there are still many buyers out and anxious to find their dream home.

Here are four reasons why you may want to consider listing your home over the winter months!

  1. Serious buyers are out! 

    Yes, it’s true that the housing rush does slow over the holidays, but the buyers who are still actively searching for their home tend to be the serious ones. You may only get a few showings, but chances are good that you are weeding out the window shoppers and catering to just those who are prepared to make an offer if the home fits their needs.


  2. There is less competition.

    Lower housing inventory will help your house to stand out. If your home is well prepared and priced right, it will be the hot item for home buyers.


  3. Creative home staging opportunity!

    The warmth of the holiday season have buyers in a festive mindset. They are envisioning their lives and their family traditions in their new home.

    Take advantage of that opportunity by decorating for the season! I’ve seen sellers take the time to set a table to look as though it belongs in a holiday magazine. This simple staging technique help buyers envision hosting holiday dinners or warm family meals.

    Others will decorate the entrance of their home with poinsettias or other classic holiday decor. I have seen some choose a gentle holiday scent fill the home. Get creative! You can enjoy the decor as well to help keep you in high spirits as you work through the home selling process!


  4. New Children and New Jobs move people!

    Data from the Center for Health Statistics and the Social Security Administration shows that there are more birthdays in the month of September than any other time of the year. After a baby boom, we can see parents begin to feel they need more space for their family!

    January and February are also known to be the busiest months for corporate relocation.

    Life doesn’t always happen nicely coordinated with the real estate market! Real estate happens when life happens, and growing families and new careers often have buyers out searching for their new home in the winter months.

In 2018 many neighborhoods experienced low inventory. The buyers outnumbered the listings. This means that many buyers are still out their awaiting their new home to come along. At this point they may feel that they are going to need to wait until the spring when listings begin to pop up again. However, if they see your home come up now, they may jump at the opportunity!

If you live in Philadelphia or South New Jersey, I would be happy to talk with you. I would first review the activity in the housing market where you live. We can then discuss if you may be able to benefit from a winter listing or if it may be best to wait for the spring market. Send me a message today and let’s schedule a time to talk!