There are plenty of people who may balk at the idea of selling a home anytime beyond Halloween; in fact, some realtors may suggest hibernation, as March-to-April is usually the peak season for home-buying, but your house has lots to offer in the winter! Here are a few reasons to think about updating your listing through the cooler months ahead:
1. Less competition! Selling in the months where some houses get pulled, and in an ever-evolving and competitive online market, there is a revolving door of house postings. Because there is a smaller sample size in the “off-months,” that opens the door to more online traffic.
2. “Serious buyers only” – I can speak for myself in stopping by open houses in the dead of summer if my wife and I have some extra time – of course, we’re just stopping by. There are far less window-shoppers available in the winter-time. Therefore, when people come by, you know they mean business.
3. Your home’s winterization can be shown off; how’s the furnace? The sealing around the windows? The integrity of the insulation in the attic? If your house is winter-ready, this is your house’s time to shine! Especially in Saskatchewan.
4. Skipping the curb appeal (sort of) – MAYBE you didn’t have the best growing season for the yard. Maybe the fertilizer didn’t take, or the kids trampled the garden… the winter provides a lovely excuse to not worry about it! Just make sure the driveway and sidewalk stays shoveled and you’re all set.
5. Demographics! One of the main reasons for a summer move: it’s not disruptive to the academia of school-age kids. However, plenty of couples are waiting longer, or just not having kids. The market looks to be larger now than it may have been a decade ago!
