Should I Sell My Home Now or Wait Until Spring?

By Christine Schlittenhart, Sierra Pacific Real Estate

As with every decision in life, there are pros and cons, and choosing when to sell a home is no different. There are many factors that need to be taken into consideration before deciding when to sell a home. Many homeowners believe selling a home during the winter months is not a good idea and that the spring is the only time a house should be sold. This is the furthest from the truth. Certainly most real estate markets across the United States experience a "spring market rush" every year. There is no doubt that the "spring market" is a great time to be selling and buying real estate, however, the winter season may be the best fit for you for many reasons.

Here are several reasons why choosing to sell your home NOW may be a better decision than waiting until the spring:

Less Competition

We are currently experiencing limited inventory in our area.  One great reason to sell your home now and not wait until the spring market is there is sure to be less competition.  The fewer number of comparable homes for sale, the greater the probability that a buyer will look at your home. Not only will less competition increase the probability for showings, but it will also increase the probability that an offer will be received and you will get the maximum amount of money for your home.

Serious Buyers Are Out There

Homes are sold and bought 365 days a year, period!  Many homeowners believe that buyers aren't out there during the winter months. This simply is not the case. Serious buyers are always out there!  Some buyers may stop their home search because it is the fall or winter, but serious buyers will continue to look at homes, no matter what time of year it is.

Mortgage Rates Are Low

If you've read about real estate in the past year, it's likely you've read that the mortgage rates are still very low.  You also probably read that there is an expectation that the rates will increase very soon. Since mortgage rates are so low right now, buyers are able to afford more expensive homes.  Bottom line: take advantage of selling your home while the rates are this low.

Quicker Transactions

Right now, there are fewer real estate transactions than there will be in the spring.  The fewer number of transactions means the mortgage lenders have less loans to process, title companies have less closings to do, and home inspectors have fewer inspections to do.  All of these factors should lead to a quicker transaction and closing for all the parties involved.  One of the most frustrating things for a seller to deal with while selling their home is not getting answers in a reasonable amount of time. A quicker transaction is going to be less stress for you.

Conclusion?  NOW is the time to list your home for sale with one of your Meadow Vista Merchant Realtor members.