Historically, winter has been a season many people consider a poor time to buy or sell real estate, and thus they avoid listing or buying a home until Spring. Yet contrary to this popular and outdated belief, and whether you are looking to buy or sell, there are ways to leverage the winter months to your advantage.
Selling in Winter
If you are considering selling a home, the holiday season and winter can pose a unique opportunity for you. Here are 5 reasons why:
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Homes listed around the holidays and right after have a high chance of selling quickly due to the seriousness of buyers.
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With a smaller amount of homes for sale in winter, this means less competition and a shorter number of days on the market for some homes.
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Winter home buyers might be motivated to get a tax break before year-end. Other year-end considerations often have buyers ready to move on a purchase, including end-of-year bonuses and January being the most common month for job relocations.
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Houses decorated for the holidays can have a warm, cozy appeal, helping to create an emotional connection that helps many buyers envision that house becoming a home.
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The greater Asheville market sees a large percentage of second home and investment buyers in town visiting during winter, and many of them are ready to act swiftly.
Buying in Winter
Buyers can find winter to be an ideal season for them as well. Here are 5 reasons you might not want to wait until spring to begin your home search:
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Many homeowners are motivated to sell by the end of the year and timing tends to make for more serious sellers, making this a time you could have more wiggle room in negotiations.
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Year-end tax implications can prove beneficial to both buyers and sellers completing transactions late in the fourth quarter.
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Many buyers take a break over the winter and begin looking again seriously in the spring. This can give you a strategic timing advantage.
- Less competition from other buyers can mean a lower chance for multiple bid scenarios and for more flexibility on the terms of your contract, like lower due diligence fees.
- Winter gives you the perfect opportunity to see how a home withstands the coldest temperatures of the year. Sometimes a home you would have adored during spring or summer doesn’t give you the same sense of security year-round.
Is Buying or Selling Now the Right Choice for You?
Ultimately, your moving schedule and housing needs will determine your decision around whether listing or buying during the holidays or winter is the right choice for your family. Whether you begin your home buying or selling purchase now or want to wait until next year, it’s the perfect time to begin planning for your real estate success.
The best real estate decisions are made with advanced knowledge and planning, and with an experienced agent on your side. If you are in the market to buy or sell your home this winter or know someone who is, contact Altamont Property Group to learn how we can help. We’d be happy to discuss why winter is a good time to buy or sell a home, and whether that’s the right fit for you and your unique needs.
Call or text: 828-782-5582
altamontpropertygroup@gmail.com
