Pros of Selling During the Winter

The Internet Has No Seasons

Potential buyers tend to go online to search for homes, no matter what the temperature is outside. In fact, nearly all buyers have used the internet for their own home search last year. Having such instant access to property listings has had an impact on the typical seasons buyers look for homes.

Now spring is still the hottest home-buying season, but serious home buyers are always on the lookout—checking the latest listings on their tablet before bed or while waiting for their kid’s sports game to end. So even though the weather may be changing, it won’t stop home buyers from shopping.

Less Sellers

Come spring, other sellers will flood the market and your home will be just another fish in a great big pond. But in winter, you’ve got a limited number of sellers on the market. For perspective, 220,000 homes for sale dropped off the market from November to December in 2020—the steepest drop all year! 

If that pattern repeats this year, you’ll have 17% less competition on the market if you list your home during the winter! Buyers have fewer homes to choose from, which means you could sell your house faster.

Buyers Mean Business

Most folks want to curl up under a blanket next to a warm fire on a cold winter day. If a buyer is trudging around in freezing weather or breaking away from their holiday schedule to look at your home, they must be serious. That’s because many winter buyers are working against a deadline, whether it’s an expiring lease, relocation, or a contract on their current home.

Tips for Selling During the Winter:

Nothing says welcome home quite like walking out of the cold into a nice, warm house. It’s easier to make a house feel like home in the wintertime. Here are a few tips to help you set the buying mood:

Keep it simple

If you’re selling around a holiday and have decorations up, make sure they accent—not overpower—a room. Less is more.

Crank up the cozy

Light a fire in the hearth, play soft holiday music in the background, and prepare fresh-baked goods or mulled cider for guests.

Shine a light outside

Winter days get dark early. Brighten your home’s exterior with outdoor spotlights.

Take down outside decor

Nothing says “my home won’t sell” like a house with reindeer inflatables on the lawn in February.

Avoid a winter wonderland

Snow is great, unless we’re talking about outside shots of your home. Buyers want to see details of the house, not a blanket of snow. Make sure you have clear-weather photos of your home.

Remember, the nicer your home looks, the more likely it is to sell—and for more money.