Should I List My Home in the Winter?

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Listing your home in the Winter

As the show starts to fly and Christmas decorations go up, I always get the question: 

“Should I list my home in the winter or wait for the spring?”

Here are reasons why it’s a good idea to consider listing your home in the winter. 

Competition

The active inventory of homes for sale in the Okanagan is historically lower in the winter months.  There is usually a 20% decrease in active listings from November to March. 

Many sellers in the Okagnan choose to wait to put their homes on the market because they believe that their homes will show better in the spring and summer months.  And while that may be true, it’s all relative.  So while other homeowners are waiting, why don’t you a head start?  Listing your home in the winter months will give you the advantage of having fewer homes to compete with than in the spring.  Buyers are still active all year round.  

Serious Buyers

Homebuyers looking to buy a home in the winter months tend to be more serious buyers.  Every month of the year, homebuyers are looking to move.  While making the move in the winter may not be ideal, some buyers need to secure a home whether it be for work or life situations.  There are typically fewer showings on homes for sale in the Okanagan in the winter months, the buyers coming through need (or really want) to buy.  

QVAluxury_WinterStagingTipsLonger closing

Buyers who are buying in the winter months may be wanting to secure a property, they typically want to move when the show has cleared.  

“In my years of experience, homes that sell in the winter months usually have a longer closing and possession date compared to the spring/summer season.”  Says Tracey Vrecko with the Vrecko Real Estate Group

This longer closing date will give sellers more time to plan and arrange their big move.  It’s even more beneficial if that seller is looking to buy a home.  This will give the homeowner more time to find their next property.  

 

If those 3 reasons don’t convince you that it’s a good time to be listing your home in the winter here are a few others: 

  • You don’t have to mow the lawn or trim the trees
  • No need to keep the pool clean (if applicable)
  • Fewer showings
  • With little to choose from, you can usually stay closer to the list price

So if you are thinking of listing in the spring, get ahead of your competition and list your home this winter.  You have a better chance to secure a sale before the rush of new listings hitting the market.  

Call your award-winning team at Vrecko Real Estate for any questions about listing your home in the winter!