Reasons to Sell Before the Selling Season Picks Up
01 Feb 2017 by Rhonda Power

5 Reasons to Sell Before the Selling Season Picks Up

A common thought in real estate is never list your home in the winter offseason. Perpetuated by industry experts, agents and repeat sellers alike, this saying encourages many would-be sellers to wait until the spring peak to list their homes. However, the market in and around the inner loop has started to pickup in mid-February.  And when I recently checked in with one of my mortgage broker friends he said the number of buyers starting their pre-qualification has increased dramatically in the last few weeks.  And most of those buyers have not found a house they want to purchase yet.  So don’t wait until spring to sell.

  1. Take advantage of low inventory. Since most sellers are waiting until spring to list, local inventory falls during the offseason. However, there are still motivated buyers who are ready to move now and don’t want to wait that long to purchase a home. According to the National Association of Realtors, 55 percent of all buyers purchased their home at the time they did because “it was just the right time.”2 These eager buyers may flock to your home. With less competition, more buyers, some of whom may have otherwise overlooked your home if you listed during the peak, will express an interest to buy. While you’ll likely have fewer showings in the offseason, buyers who do visit will be more serious about writing an offer. Your home may sell faster than it would have during the peak season.
  2. Tap into the life changes of buyers. Many buyers receive employee raises and bonuses at the end of the year or effective at the beginning of the new year. If they’ve been saving to buy a home, this extra money may allow them to reach their goal for a down payment and put them on the path to becoming a homeowner. Additionally, companies often hire new employees and relocate current ones during the first quarter of the year, creating a strong demand for housing. If you live in an area that’s home to a large company or has a strong corporate presence, this may be the perfect time to list.

 

Thinking of Listing in the Offseason? 3 Things to Do Before You List

Get your home ready to list by following these tips.

  1. Schedule maintenance. Buyers, especially first-time buyers, want a home they can move into right away; they don’t want to repair the roof or the furnace or replace windows with blown thermal seals before they move in. Do the scheduled maintenance and make repairs before you list your home for sale.
  1. Create light. Balance out the lack of natural light outdoors by turning the lights on inside. Since people naturally tend to buy emotionally, turning on the lights helps create a sense of warmth and coziness. Light a fire in the fireplace, if you have one, fill your home with the scents of the season, such as vanilla or fresh baked cookies, and put a throw blanket on your sofa.If you plan to paint the interior of your home before you list, consider an off-white or light gray shade to create consistency throughout your home and make the space feel larger and brighter. If you have photos of your garden or the home’s exterior in the spring or summer, display them so interested buyers can get a glimpse of what the home looks like in other seasons..
  1. Give your home a thorough cleaning. Cleaning puts your home in its best light. Clean and polish all the horizontal surfaces of your home, including countertops, window sills and baseboards; have the curtains dry cleaned or otherwise laundered; wash windows, glass doors and their tracks; vacuum carpeting and polish all wood surfaces, including the floor.Additionally, this is a great time to pack any personal items and family photos as well as sort through your belongings and donate items you no longer use. This not only eliminates any clutter, but it also gives you less to pack and move when you sell.

 

If you’re thinking of selling, give us a call! We’d love to help you position your home to sell in our market.

 

Sources: 1. Time, October 30, 2015

  1. National Association of REALTORS, 2016 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers
  2. Forbes, August, 27, 2013

 

 

Rhonda Power

Maximizing your dream of buying a home or selling your home starts with a trusted and experienced professional. Meet Rhonda Power, a Houston local with 20+ years of marketing, customer service, and sales experience. As a dedicated realtor, Rhonda leverages the latest technology, social media, and in-depth market knowledge to effectively showcase your property and attract the right buyers.

But Rhonda's expertise doesn't stop there. She understands a home is not just a physical structure, but a reflection of the community in which it resides. That's why she takes the time to get to know her clients and their unique needs, ensuring they find the perfect home in the ideal neighborhood, complete with the right restaurants, schools, shopping, and recreational activities.

Maximize your home's value with Rhonda's insider knowledge of the Houston real estate market. When selling your home, she not only features the qualities of your home but also highlights the unique selling points of the neighborhood and community, showcasing its strengths and appealing qualities to potential buyers. Let Rhonda be your partner in making the most of your real estate investment.

When it comes to buying or selling a home in Houston, TX, trust Rhonda to be your guide and advocate every step of the way.