News

Do you plan on selling your home in the last quarter of the year? If so, you may want to think about waiting until things settle down a bit. During the holiday season, your schedule will probably be full, and the last thing you need is the hassle of putting your house on the market. But hold on a minute. This could be the perfect time to sell especially in Chicago’s North Shore area and here are five good reasons to do so:

1. Less Competition
Getting a house ready to sell is a lot of work and you probably already have enough to do. This is the main reason there are fewer properties to choose from during the holiday season, but this shortage can be good for people listing their homes. With fewer properties on the market, more home shoppers get to see your house and the odds for a sale increase considerably. A typical buyer’s market can quickly become a seller’s market around the holidays.

2. Emotional Buyers
You may get more for your home around the holidays because of the festive atmosphere. Colorful decorations and lights are everywhere you go. People greet you on the street, and you might even talk about your plans for the holidays with complete strangers. When people are caught up in the season, they are likely to spend more money, making it possible for you to get asking price if it is reasonable.

3. Fewer Browsers
No one wants to show their home to people who are just looking or browsing. Browsers love to nitpick, and they are just wasting your time. On the other hand, if a couple is home shopping during the holiday season, they are giving up valuable time they could be using elsewhere. These people are serious about buying a house and more likely to make an offer.

4. Income Taxes
Buying a home comes with several important tax benefits, and if you buy in December you get the same tax breaks you would if you bought months earlier. Real estate agents understand taxes and make sure potential buyers see the tax advantages of buying now. This can be the deciding factor in a home sale.

5. Faster Closing Times
It may take less time to buy and close on a home later in the year. Since fewer people are submitting applications, loan approval times are shorter. Mortgage companies are not as busy and can process loans quicker. Title companies also have fewer things to do later in the year. If you sell by Thanksgiving, you might even have your money before New Year’s.

Points to Ponder
If you list your property when fewer homes are on the market, you are likely to encounter more serious buyers. Most holiday home shoppers are not there to look. They want to buy now. Many couples are looking for a home to raise kids in and do not want to wait long to close on the sale. The holiday atmosphere works in your favor as do the tax benefits of home buying.

If you’re interested in listing your home over the holidays, contact me today to get started.

Benefits of Holiday Home Selling