The fall and winter months can be a confusing time for people looking to sell their homes. The commonly held belief is that the best time to sell is in the spring and summer months when there are more buyers looking, the weather is more cooperative, etc. Many homeowners wonder: Should I wait until spring to sell my house?
While it is true that the housing market is different this time of year, that does not mean it is either better or worse. Homeowners and their agents who pay attention to these differences and plan accordingly can sell just as easily as they would during the warmer months, if not more so. Here are a few reasons why winter can be a great time to sell:
- You have less competition. Since many other homeowners have already decided to wait until spring to sell their homes, your listing automatically becomes more visible to people looking to buy. If you wait until spring, you might face a crowded and more competitive market.
- The buyers are more motivated. People who shop for homes during the winter months have their own reasons why they can’t wait until spring when there is more inventory. Thus, they tend to be more serious and more likely to make an offer when they like what they see.
- The weather in Atlanta is less of a factor than in other places. In northern reaches of the country that deal with more cold and snow, house hunting is admittedly more of a challenge. Here in Georgia where the winters are milder, the downturn is much less noticeable.
Of course, if you prefer to wait until spring to sell your house, there is no reason why you shouldn’t do so — except, perhaps, for rising interest rates, which are definitely a factor at this time. But winter does not have to be a deterrent for you to sell, especially if you work with an experienced agent to help you create a solid strategy. To learn more, call Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 404.948.4812.