Still on the fence and not sure if you should pull the trigger? Here’s why home sellers should leap into the market before the holidays are over.
You might get mixed opinions about selling your home during the holidays. Most people would tell you that it’s best to wait until Spring to sell. Before you decide, here are ten solid reasons this holiday season ’tis the season to be selling.
1. People looking for a home during the holidays are dead serious about buying.
Think about it — Who would spend their holidays going around looking at houses they will never actually buy? These people are looking at homes between their kids’ Christmas events, holiday gatherings, gift buying, and other holiday preparations.
The holidays are the time of the year where their schedules are unforgiving, yet they house hunt. This clearly shows that they are committed to doing it because they want to buy a house sooner rather than later.
2. Less Competition
Because not many people list and sell their homes during the holiday, less competition is guaranteed. Which means they usually sell faster and for a lot more money.
With less inventory on the market, buyers don’t have many houses to choose from, and less competition means all good things for sellers.
3. Houses are more festive and show better during the holidays
Imagine walking in a home that’s clean, neat, and organized. That would probably get you thinking that this could be your new home. Now, imagine walking into a home that’s clean, neat, organized, decorated with lighted snowflakes and wreaths smelling like it was made of cookies. That wouldn’t just get you thinking. That would get you singing! Showing your listed homes during the holidays adds an extra oomph to your home staging that will increase your chances of making a sale.
4. Year-end Tax Advantages
Tax breaks can be claimed by getting into a contract and closing before the end of the year. You can deduct the mortgage interest, property taxes, and interest costs of your loan if a sale closes on or before December 31. You can write off the mortgage points on your taxes, as well as the real estate taxes.
Consult with your CPA to know the ins and outs of year-end tax advantages.
5. Year-End Job Transfers
Companies usually announce employee job transfers at the end of the year. These people are a great audience to sell homes to. One thing to keep in mind about relocating buyers, is that their commitment is heavily based on time and not on price. These types of buyers operate following a timeframe. It matters more to them that they find a home fast, even if they have to pay more.
6. Buyers are more emotional during the holidays
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. And people are more connected to their emotions than ever. From music to food, to lights and inflatable snowmen, everywhere you look during this season is a mood. And when people are happy, they will spend more money and feel good about doing it.
Sometimes, great opportunities can be found where others see a challenge. Selling your home during the holidays may be an unpopular opinion, but great sales have happened when the temperatures drop. If you are unsure, you can always ask around and compare notes. Ultimately, the next move is yours. You get to decide.
