It is finally happening. The serious buyers are coming!
My many years in Real Estate have taught me that most buyers looking to buy real estate in the autumn and winter are more serious and ready to purchase. No crystal ball here but I predict a repeat this year.
Many Buyers this time of year have an urgency to buy because of a new job or tax implications.
When buyers have fewer homes to select from and deadlines to meet they tend to offer more. A Buyer’s sense of urgency may be due to a new job in our area. Many employers often hire, wanting the new employee to begin early January. Additionally, we all love a Tax benefit. Buyers planning to take advantage of a tax benefit may experience a sense of urgency.
We usually experience lower inventory during autumn and winter months.
Properties just coming on the market have the greater advantage. A portion of autumn inventory is of old listings, lingering on, because they were optimistically overpriced during the spring and summer months. Often luxury beach and resort properties priced high during the peak tourist season are being reduced in the autumn however even after a price adjustment; buyers will ask why that home is still on the market. Buyers may be suspicious and go directly to a newer listing, even if it is a higher price.
Now is the time to show off to potential buyers how much you enjoy your beautiful home at any time of year.
Get busy now and if possible have the listing photography and video of your home completed before the landscape goes dormant. If that is not going to work out for you don’t fret! Your home can look great any time of year if you pay attention to some details. Totally spruce up the exterior surfaces of the home and landscape. Do repairs, pressure wash, freshen up mulch and edges, replace any dim or burnt out light bulbs, freshly paint the front door and shutters, replace worn looking door hardware. To give it a nice finish complete the look with some fresh looking seasonal décor to the entrance and the interior.
Buyers will often want to close by year end rather than during the holidays when they have no need to occupy immediately. This situation is great for the seller who can take their profit and move at a much more convenient time.
Take away the stress of being prepared to show your home at the drop of a pin during the holidays.
Advertise your preferred showing times and prepare ahead to have your home show ready during those times. Though we are supposed to declutter and depersonalize our homes for the market, it is just my personal opinion that usually a little seasonal decor both inside and out makes a home warmer and more appealing to potential buyers. If you choose to use holiday or seasonal décor, avoid those cherished but worn and tired looking decorations.
Hopefully you attract a Buyer soon and can close very quickly.
Good news! Lenders, inspectors, contractors, appraisers, and title companies are not as busy now and your closing can happen without delay.
With so many good reasons to list your home NOW, what are you waiting for? Just ask us for a personalized marketing strategy to sell your home.