We asked the REALTORS® at Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty their thoughts on putting a home on the market before the holidays or after the holidays. Check out the scenario below for their thoughts:
You sold a home to a client a couple of years ago and they have just called you, frantic that they just found out that they are being transferred after the first of the year. When do you recommend they put their home on the market?
55% – Now! Even though it is right before the holiday, they should take advantage of possible buyers who are coming into town only for the holidays and are making a decision before the end of the year.
28% – After the first of the year. Put the house on the market when everyone is looking anew at 2010 and are ready for some fresh listings. Also, many people will decide over the holidays to start looking for a new home.
15% – Now! With the history of the market in the past couple of years, most sellers who have sold in the past year agree that selling their home sooner than later benefitted them, and there is no reason to wait. No one can tell if the market will improve sooner than later.
I wrote a post with the same message a few weeks back and again today. The market is really busy right now with very qualified buyers. Not being listed is a missed opportunity.
Yes, we are seeing a busier market here in Atlanta in the past couple of months as well. And, there are so many people, like those who are relocating, who only have the opportunity to look for a new home during the holidays. Best of luck to you in Chicago!