In Canada, it is often believed that the best time to sell a home is during the spring and summer months. However, there are several reasons why selling in the offseason, such as winter, may actually be advantageous. Here are five compelling reasons to consider listing your home now:
Take advantage of low inventory.
Since most sellers are waiting until spring to list their homes, there may be fewer options on the market during the offseason. However, there are still motivated buyers who are ready to purchase a home now and may be attracted to your property. With less competition, your home may stand out more and sell faster.
Set a higher listing price.
Homes sold during the offseason often sell for a higher price than those sold during peak season. This is because motivated buyers are willing to pay closer to the asking price, and homes are more likely to be priced accurately. Additionally, sellers may not feel as much pressure to compete with other properties on the market and can hold out for a better offer.
Receive more attention.
Real estate agents are often less busy during the offseason, which means they can dedicate more time to helping you prepare your home for sale. This includes answering your questions, addressing your concerns, and coordinating with tradespeople for maintenance or renovations.
Easier to maintain curb appeal.
During peak season, sellers may feel pressure to maintain a pristine exterior to attract buyers. However, in the offseason, there may be less need to constantly mow the lawn and tend to the landscaping. Plus, with fewer homes on the market, your property may still stand out without an overly manicured lawn.
Tap into life changes of buyers.
Many buyers experience changes in their lives that lead them to search for a new home, such as a job relocation or bonus at the end of the year. Listing your home during the offseason may attract these buyers who are ready and motivated to make a purchase.
Overall, there are several benefits to selling your home during the offseason in Canada. By taking advantage of low inventory, setting a higher listing price, receiving more attention from agents, and tapping into life changes of buyers, you may be able to sell your home faster and for a better price.
Thinking of Listing in the Offseason? 3 Things to Do Before You List
Get your home ready to list by following these tips.
1.Schedule maintenance.
Buyers, especially first-time buyers, want a home they can move into right away without having to do major repairs. Before you list your home for sale, make sure to take care of any necessary maintenance and repairs. This includes checking the roof, furnace, and windows for any issues. It may also be helpful to have a pre-inspection done to identify any major or minor issues that could affect the sale of your home. This will help you accurately price your home and avoid any potential issues with buyers.
2.Brighten up your home.
In the offseason when natural light is scarce, it’s important to create a warm and inviting atmosphere inside. Turn on lights throughout the house, including lamps and overhead lights, to create a cozy feeling. You can also light a fire in the fireplace if you have one, and add seasonal scents like vanilla or cinnamon to create an inviting aroma. Consider painting the interior of your home with an off-white shade to create a consistent look and make the space feel larger and brighter.
3.Deep clean your home.
A clean home will make a great first impression on potential buyers. Make sure to clean and polish all horizontal surfaces, including countertops, window sills, and baseboards. Wash windows and glass doors, vacuum carpets, and polish all wood surfaces. It’s also a good idea to pack away personal items and family photos, and donate any items you no longer use. This will help declutter your home and make it easier to pack and move when you sell.
If you’re considering selling your home in London, Ontario, give us a call! I can help you prepare your home for sale in our local market.
Reference
1,Selling Your Home in the Winter: How You Can Make the Most of It https://www.realtor.ca/blog/selling-your-home-in-the-winter-how-you-can-make-the-most-of-it/29038/1363
2.How to Bring Natural Light into Your Home: The Ultimate Guide https://www.realtor.ca/blog/how-to-bring-natural-light-into-your-home-the-ultimate-guide/26469/1367
