Is it a good idea to put real estate up for sale during the holiday season?

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November 02 2009 - South Loop
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Answers (13)

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Profile picture for Matt Laricy
Why would it be a bad idea? There is people always looking to buy. Its not going to hurt your property to have it up for sale. I would price it right and hope for the best. By not putting your property on the market during this time, what are you gaining? The only buyers who look during holiday season are serious buyers who need to buy. So you may not be getting as many showings, but you can bet the ones that are coming by are very serious buyers.
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November 02 2009
Profile picture for L Strasberg
I agree with Matt.  Buyers shopping during the holidays are serious and want to take advantage of the repeat and first time tax credits in place. Also many buyers now want to have their kids in school prior to when it starts again so the commitment to close quickly is there if they like your house and it's priced to sell.
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December 03 2009
Profile picture for synthianoble

It is a buyer's market, values in many areas have fallen.  It is a good time to put your house on the market - when you are ready to SELL.  This is not a good market to test.  I agree with other posts the most important thing is to have your property properly priced.  It is also important to have the house easily accessible for showings.  First impressions are also important, keep holiday decor limited and non-denominational.  The adage that you should try to remove the personal items while selling your house holds true even during the holidays. 

On the plus side of listing now, the tax credit did get extended to the spring, and you don't want to miss out on buyer's trying to take advantage of that program. 

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November 09 2009
Profile picture for sunnyview
No more spam please. The hotlink in each of your posts is against Zillow's policy here.
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November 09 2009
Profile picture for heidi42678410
It definitely is more challenging selling a property during the holiday season, but if one has to sell and there are definitely people looking to buy even during the holidays, then I would suggest keeping it on the market.  It only takes one buyer and if they happen to be looking during the holiday season you may loose out on a showing if you have taken the house off the market. 

Visit us at http://www.exclusivelypalatine.com
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November 09 2009
Profile picture for Agent619

I honestly think that listing during holiday season is good for sellers. Most buyers will get distracted from looking at home inventory during this time of year and instead go shopping, prepare for travel arrangements, or handle some home repair.

The remaining buyers are the VERY SERIOUS type who either NEED TO BUY before the new year or they are the bargain buyers who know some sellers are desparate to sell before the end of 2009.

The big "IF" is that you home must be priced and prepared properly, and this is regardless of what time of year. Now IF, your home meets those 2 previous requirements, the drop in inventory during November and December will make your home look more appealing versus having to compete against 2 or 3 times more home competition during Spring and Summer.

Make sense?

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November 02 2009
Profile picture for BobbieBRB

Aww the run  in the snow to look at a home now only someone that really wants to buy is going to do that . But a helpfull tip images images and when you think you have  a good set add 5 more. When its snowing ppl will sit at the pc and look at images so make sure ever room has images to look at  so when ppl  come to your door its coz they are really looking to buy.

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November 02 2009
Profile picture for agentblu15
Also, if you DO list during the holiday season, make sure you're prepared to have the house accessible, available, and in showing condition throughout the season, ESPECIALLY on those days when many folks are off work.  The holidays give many people who can't normally house-hunt during the week because of work the opportunity to do so.

This means keep the walks clear of ice and snow, keep the decorations (if any) subdued, tasteful, and non-religious, and keep the days around Thanksgiving, and the time between Christmas and New Years open and available, and make sure that your agent will be available during those times as well.
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November 02 2009
Profile picture for Jason Bonas
It is a wonderful time to put a house for sale. if you price it correctly, it will sell.

-you are going to get more serious buyers looking
-there will be less new inventory
-some buyers will be willing to act more quickly to be in the home for the holidays
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November 02 2009
Marinomac,

Pros: Fewer sellers list their homes for sale during the holiday season - thus less competition from other sellers

Cons: Buyers tend to be bargain hunters because they know most home buyers are too busy with their own holiday preparations and the submited offers may put your holiday spirit to the test.

Remedy: Hold your ground with counter offer.
If your house is priced correctly and well mantained, there is no reason to give in to real estate vultures, holiday season or not.

NOTE: You do need to be mindful of the DOMP, Days On Market Property. The longer the house stays on the market, its market value tends to decrease as buyers become somewhat suspicious or see the opportunity to low ball.  The DOMP goes back to zero days if you take your house off the market - check with an agent in your area regarding the number of days required to be off the market to get new DOMP
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November 02 2009
Profile picture for BobBrandtRealtor
I think it is the best time of year to be a buyer or seller, as only serious sellers and buyers are out....
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November 02 2009
Profile picture for Mike Barilone
There are both advantages and disadvantages.  If you list your home during the holiday season, there will still be buyers who are looking for a home no matter what the season is.  The disadvantage would be longer time on the market if the home doesn't sell.  There's a possibility of buyers trying to lowball an offer if they see that a house has been sitting on the market for a long time.  I'd say though that if you really need to sell because you're no longer occupying the house, it's better to put in on the market.  
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November 02 2009
Profile picture for bjtregoning
The answer to this question depends on how aggressive you are willing to be with the price.  There are always buyer's out there, but in a market like this you have to price your property accordingly or you will have little chance of selling it, regardless of what time of the year it is.

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November 02 2009
 

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