Timing the market is tough! Should you sell when everyone else is or should you sell during the “slow” winter months? In this video and article we will review what selling during the holiday season looks like and if it’s rewarding or not. Let’s dive in!

Selling during the holiday season is more of a mindset issue than anything. Some people don’t want to go through the hassle of keeping their home show ready and deal with showings and inspections during this time of year. Which is totally reasonable. But if you are one of the select few who are okay with going through the hassles, then kudos to you! It can be quite rewarding and you are about to learn why.

Typically speaking, there’s not much inventory in the fall or winter months. And that’s caused by a multitude of factors. Kids are back in school, so parents don’t want to move during the school year and a lot of sellers want to wait for summertime during prime selling season.

But hear me out on this… if everyone wants to wait and sell at the same time, wouldn’t that make it more difficult and be more competition for you to go up against? Yes, it would. When you decide to sell during the holiday season with low inventory available to buyers, they have less houses to look at. Meaning you could find yourself selling at full price or more with multiple offers, and less time on the market.

Don’t worry though, you won’t be closing on Thanksgiving or Christmas! And the cool part about going under contract in December, you probably won’t be closing until after the new year. And guess what happens right after January 1^st? There’s an influx of sellers entering the market. Congratulations, you just beat your competition! And even better, if you need to purchase a new house you will have plenty of inventory to look through after January 1^st.

Speaking of inventory levels, it’s important to understand what type of market you are about to enter. What do the current local market conditions look like right now? Is it a buyer’s market or seller’s market? How long do houses typically stay on the market before going under contract? These are conversations you need to have with the agent you choose to hire.

A nice thing about selling around the holiday season is most buyers who are out looking for a home are generally serious buyers and not just looking around for the fun of it. Prospective buyers would rather spend time with their family rather than house shopping unless they absolutely needed to. So when you receive the showing requests, they aren’t messing around!

When you sell during the holidays, you have an opportunity that’s not given to others who choose to sell at a different time of year. With all of the neighborhood festivities and decorations out, the buyers will get a glimpse of what it’s like spending Christmas or Thanksgiving in their new home. With all of the decor and festivities, the area feels warm and inviting.