THERE ARE BUYERS FOR YOUR HOUSE
Around this time each year, many homeowners decide to wait until after the holidays to sell their houses. Similarly, others who already have their homes on the market remove their listings until the spring. Let’s unpack the top reasons why selling your house now, or keeping it on the market this season, is the best choice you can make. This year, buyers want to purchase homes for the holidays, and your house might be the perfect match.
Buyer demand: Do people want to buy your home?
This one’s a clear yes. Homebuyer demand has surged in recent months, and according to the Mortgage Bankers Association, applications to purchase a home were up 40% annually in the first week of September.
The pandemic: How safe is it to sell your home?
The pandemic naturally creates some new challenges. As a seller, it means opening your personal home to strangers, including ones who may be infected with the virus. It also means enhanced cleaning protocols, which could be burdensome depending on your schedule.
You can offset these risks by being careful about who you let on the property. Only allow buyers with pre-approved mortgages to schedule tours (this ensures they’re serious), and require masks, gloves and other precautionary measures while in the home. Setting up hand sanitizing stations throughout the property can also help. Read more here.
Here are seven great reasons not to wait to sell your house this holiday season:
1. Buyers are active now. Mortgage rates are historically low, providing motivation for those who are ready to get more for their money over the life of their home loan.
2. Purchasers who look for homes during the holidays are serious ones, and they’re ready to buy.
3. You can restrict the showings in your house to days and times that are most convenient for you, or even select virtual options. You’ll remain in control, especially in today’s sellers’ market.
4. Homes decorated for the holidays appeal to many buyers.
5. Today, there’s minimal competition for you as a seller. There just aren’t enough houses on the market to satisfy buyer demand, meaning sellers are in the driver’s seat. Over the past year, inventory has declined to record lows, making it the opportune time to sell your house.
6. The desire to own a home doesn’t stop during the holidays. Buyers who have been searching throughout the fall and have been running into more and more bidding wars are still on the lookout. Your home may be the answer.
7. This season is the sweet spot for sellers, and the number of listings will increase after the holidays. In many parts of the country, more new construction will also be available for sale in 2021, which will lessen the demand for your house next year.
SO IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT SELLING
More than ever, this may be the year it makes the most sense to list your house during the holiday season. Contact me today to determine if selling now is your best move.