Here we are. The holidays are over.  Much of the country is in the dead of winter – short days, and cold, dark nights.  This couldn’t possibly be a good time to put a house on the market. 

Or… could it?

Listing in the winter months isn’t the right answer for everyone, but it can be a great option for the right sellers.  Here are five reasons why listing in the winter is a great idea:

1. Less competition.  Most sellers follow tradition and list in the spring months, so there are fewer homes on the market January through March.  When you list in these months, you’ll get more eyes on your property and the odds of a buyer picking your house goes up.

2. More serious buyers.  The spring brings out the flowers, the bears and the window shoppers.  Will a homeowner listing in the spring have more “views” and “saves” on platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com?  Yep.  But are they all serious buyers?  Nope.  Those people looking at homes in the winter are serious.  They want to buy something.  They’ve likely missed out on something before and are eager to have less competition. Another common scenario is that they’re relocating and need to find a place… pronto.    So, you will likely have less showings than in the spring, but those seeing it will be willing and able to make an offer.

3. Homes are cozy in the winter.  Have you ever been out house-hunting in the spring or summer?  Here in Pittsburgh, spring is rainy, wet and muddy and… ugh… gross.  Summer is hot and humid.  You sweat just thinking about going outside.  Winter?  You’re freezing and when you enter a warm, cozy home, (perhaps smelling of pine and cinnamon) it’s so inviting.  Are there fireplaces and fluffy blankets?  Ahhhhh… heaven.  Now THAT feels like home.

4. Bonuses!  Many companies will endow their employees with year-end bonuses.  This income, tax returns and other investment income, make the winter an ideal time to buy.  It’s the perfect time to tie the fiscal year up with a beautiful bow.

5. Faster transactions.  In the thick of the spring and summer season, finding tradesmen, inspectors, appraisers, etc. can be challenging.   Agents may need to extend the inspection contingency period, just to get an inspector in the house, which can make things tricky.  Will you wait 14-20 days to finish the inspection process?  What if they want to walk after the inspections?  Will you feel more pressured to take a deal you don’t want because you’ve lost two to three weeks waiting for an inspection?  In the slower months, buyers can find an inspector quickly and that part of the transaction can get wrapped up in days rather than weeks.

No, selling in non-traditional months like January and February won’t work for every situation.  But if you’re able to do it, it can really pay off!  A faster, smoother sale with a serious buyer can make the process much less stressful for everyone.

Not sure if this strategy will work for your situation?  Contact us at 412-265-4241 for a personal, in-depth review of your property and circumstances.