Many assume that it’s much harder to sell a home in the winter than it is in the spring and summer when buyers seem to be out in droves. However, this isn’t always the case. There are times it really pays to sell in the colder months. If you are looking to work with or already working with expired listings in Manhattan, here are some reasons to keep pushing and working hard to sell in this upcoming season.
1. Less competition
Because a lot of sellers assume that spring or summer is the time to start the selling process, the market can become crowded with homes for sale during the warmer months. However, with less supply and inventory in the winter, it means there’s less competition and more buyers to look at your property.
2. Winter-ready features
With the colder months, come more reasons to stay indoors and in your home. Potential buyers might be more in tune with those features your home has to offer since their ears will be perked up for those details. You say you have an energy efficient home that won’t rack up outrageous electric bills each month? Wonderful! You have a fireplace or woodstove? That’s amazing! You live in a great neighborhood that will help my commute time not be so long in the cold? Sign me up! Show off those features that will speak to buyers this time of year.
3. Serious homebuyers
Sometimes when the housing market is flooded with inventory and there are open houses on every block, you get the window shoppers. They’ll look but aren’t necessarily serious about buying right now. They want to see what’s out there potentially. This is more common during those busier, warmer months. However, when it’s cold and there’s snow or sleet on the ground, the potential buyers trekking to open houses and showings are going to be taking it seriously. You’ll be able to speak to them more one-on-one as a realtor or with the seller present as well. You can talk more in depth about numbers and options as it won’t be such a hectic open house space.
4. Bonuses
This is the time of year for bonuses, pay bumps and gifts. Sometimes these are good incentives for buyers to get out there and take the next step. Maybe they feel they will qualify for a greater mortgage amount now or can afford a greater down payment.
Capitalize on these reasons why selling in the winter can benefit you and your expired listings. It can help you obtain more clientele as you explain why now is a good time to try selling again. And it will benefit the seller, as they are able to sell successfully!
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