WHY NOW? 🎄
The most frequently asked question at this time of year as an agent is “Should I even bother putting my house on the market now… I mean it’s nearly Christmas…” 🎅
Yep the jolly red man is on his way soon enough and the work break ups and family catch ups will be upon us before we blink twice, but there are still distinct advantages to having your house visible to the buyer pool in the lead up.
Now I know, you’re thinking (possibly out loud and groaning at the same time)… of course an agent is going to say that… they just want me to sell my house, but if you are in the moving mood, hear me out...
The festive season brings a unique energy and opportunity to the real estate market. As with bad weather or public holidays, we may not meet as many buyers, but those we do meet are dead set serious about buying! Listing your home before Christmas capitalises on this dynamic period. Potential buyers, fuelled by year-end optimism and the desire to secure their home before the new year, are more inclined to make decisive offers. Incredibly, in the past decade there have only been 3 years where I have not had buyers and sellers signing contracts on Christmas Eve!! Yep you read that right… it’s crazy insane, but it happens!
Typically, new listing numbers drop during the holiday season. This reduced competition means your home can shine brighter in a less crowded market. With fewer properties vying for attention, your home not only stands out but also potentially fetches a better price than it will once more homes hit the market in the new year. Additionally, there are those who have sold in the past few weeks who “need” to find a new home for the new year… one family I’ve been talking with have their settlement coming up mid January - do you think they are going to be motivated to make quick decisions and essentially be willing to pay a great price to have peace of mind sooner rather than later? (The answer is yes to that by the way)
In real estate, timing can be everything. Listing your home before Christmas, you leverage unique seasonal advantages. Reduced competition, getting ahead of the pack who will come to market in the new year, and the emotional appeal of the festive season all combine to create an opportune moment for sellers. Make the most of this period to potentially achieve a quicker, more profitable sale!