In our high and dry
southwestern climate, we sell homes all year round,and some of us agents have been
known to have winter sales that surpassed spring and summer totals. There are
several reasons for this.
1. Because of the perception that winter is a slow month for
real estate, several persons take their homes off the market thus reducing the
competition.
2. Our mostly pleasant, sun-filled days are comfortable for house
hunting all-year round.
3. Buyers looking for homes in the winter months are usually
serious buyers who must find a home at the time they are looking. Some may be
newly relocated from other cities, states or even countries. I know this from
experience when my husband had no control over his relocation schedule.
Transfers were always at short notice, and when we arrived in a city we needed
to find schools and a home right away no matter the season.
4. Homes decorated for the holidays add an extra layer of appeal.
Buying is an emotional experience and a beautifully decorated home is
emotionally appealing to buyers.
5. Sight is not the only sense that persuades buyers. The
aroma of freshly baked bread, pies, cakes, cookies that is one of the hallmarks
of the fall/winter holiday season also attracts buyers. I remember the time a realtor brought buyer with
little notice into a home I was selling. A group of friends and I had just got
up from the breakfast table and moved our our conversation to the living room. (I
know. I was not supposed to be there, let alone with friends. If your REALTOR gives you permission it's ok.) The table was
still not cleared and the aroma of muffins and hot coffee was thick. The buyer
and her agent breezed in and out in under five minutes. They did not even enter
the living area where I sat with my friends. I received an offer before the end of the day.
For this holiday season, don’t
hold back. Put your home on the market for the holidays. Decorate it. Enjoy the
season and the company of your friends. Trust your REALTOR and who knows, your holiday gift could be the
biggest gift of all: a contract.
