Should you list now during the winter months or wait until spring? When is the best time to sell a house?

Many people consider trying to sell their home during the winter months a bad idea thus, believing that they are better to wait for the “hot spring market”, which is generally the best time to sell a house.

However, if you are serious about selling, the winter months can be an excellent time to list as winter buyers are generally more motivated.

These buyers are exploring their options because they have to buy, rather than want to buy.

• Lots of people try to avoid house shopping in the winter due to bad weather and the holidays taking up a lot of our time. Therefore most winter buyers are very serious about buying as they are more than likely facing some sort of deadline. They may have already sold their home and need to find a place before their closing.
• January and February are the leading months for switching jobs. Therefore a lot of people are relocating during these months. They are typically on a tight deadline and are eager to get settled in before they start their new job.
• The majority of sellers will wait until the spring or summer months to list their home, therefore there is less competition in the winter. During the spring tons of new houses are coming on the market each day allowing buyers to get picky.
• Contractors, handymen services are promptly available & at lower costs. During the spring and summer, you can be waiting weeks to get a contractor in to get your house ready.
• Access to loans is greater at the beginning of the year, therefore, loans can be processed quicker & buyers are more readily deemed qualified.
• Viewings will be fewer and less intrusive, however, it will consist of more motivated, qualified buyers.