As the year draws to a close, you might be contemplating putting your house on the market. The question lingers: should you sell now or wait until January? Although delaying until after the holidays might seem appealing, several compelling reasons exist to make your move before the new year.
Get Ahead of the Curve in a Less Crowded Market
Towards the end of the year, many homeowners tend to delay listing their houses due to holiday busyness, postponing such plans until the more tranquil start of the new year. Seizing this opportunity to act now, while others hold off, can give you a significant advantage.
By selling before the holidays, you can outpace your competition. Engaging a real estate agent promptly will allow you to position your home on the market before others follow suit.
Showcase Your Home to Ready and Eager Buyers
Despite a slight increase in homes for sale compared to last year, the market supply remains relatively low. While some buyers may defer their moving plans until January, others have pressing reasons necessitating an immediate change.
Buyers active at this time are often motivated by circumstances, making their search more earnest. A winter sale can attract serious buyers, as stated by Investopedia, which noted, "Anyone shopping for a new home between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is likely going to be a serious buyer." This translates to a higher chance of a quicker sale during this period.
Leverage Your Equity for a Seamless Transition
Presently, homeowners possess record levels of equity. According to CoreLogic, the average equity per mortgage holder has risen to almost $290,000. This equity could potentially cover a substantial portion or even the entirety of a down payment for your new home.
While considering selling before the year ends, reflect on the original motivations driving your decision to move. Whether it's seeking a more suitable location, a better-suited space for you and your family, or changing needs, a local real estate agent can assist in evaluating your home equity and how to employ it to achieve your relocation goal.
Listing your home before the new year brings unique advantages: reduced competition, motivated buyers, and the opportunity to leverage your equity gains. Contact a local real estate agent to facilitate achieving your goals before the winter season sets in.
