Top 10 Reasons to List During the Holiday Season

Many people are calling now to talk about listing their Madison area home at the beginning of the year. Maybe mid January. Some are even talking about selling in the Spring and requesting consultations. This is great to have such proactive Sellers willing to start preparing their house for showings so far in advance. No matter what month it is, people are always asking, “When is the best time to sell?” The best time to sell your home is when you need to/want to/are ready to sell. Period.

How about the calls we’re getting to come and list their house NOW? Here are the Top 10 Reasons why some Sellers are Ready, Set, Go:  

1. People who look for a home during the Holidays tend to be more serious buyers. Yes, you may have fewer showings then the month of May, but you KNOW that every showing during December is a motivated, serious Buyer. Who else is out looking for homes this time of the year?
2. Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the Holidays and less competition means more money for you.
3. Since the supply of listings could increase in January, there may be less demand for your particular home. Less demand means less money for you.
4. Houses show better when decorated for the Holidays. (well, sometimes. Don’t over decorate. And please, no smelly candles).
5. Buyers are more emotional during the Holidays (and sometimes more stressed out), so the quicker they find the right house, the better. That makes for faster negotiating and can mean more money for you.
6. Buyers have more time to look for a home during the Holidays. Relocating Buyers may be scheduling their holiday travel around the city they are moving to.
7. Some Buyers must buy before the end of the year for tax reasons.
8. January is traditionally the month for employees to begin new jobs. Since transferees cannot typically wait until spring to buy, you must be on the market now to capture that market.
9. You can sell now for more money and we will provide for a delayed closing or extended occupancy until early next year.
10. You can still be on the market, but you have the option to restrict showings if necessary (for example, the day you’re hosting a holiday party or the days your in laws are visiting).

If you are ready to sell and someone told you to wait until after the holidays – don’t. Contact Sara Alvarado at 608.251.6600 or email sara@thealvaradogroup.com and get moving!