A question often asked right now is should I sell my home now or wait for the spring of 2026?
That’s a great question and in my experience of doing this since 1991 I feel as a seller now is the perfect time to come on the market.
A given is there will be much less inventory during this time and the coming few months than there will be as we approach the spring market. Most consumers think spring is the best time to sell so most wait to list their homes. For sellers this just means more competition. When there are more homes for buyers to choose from inevitably sellers lose the upper hand.
If you are okay with your home being shown during the holiday season it offers a warm, inviting, slightly emotional ambiance. For some buyers this is the perfect stage for choosing just the right place to call home. Buying a home is already somewhat of an emotional decision. Add the magic of the holiday season and you have a great opportunity for home buyers to shop.
Some homebuyers and investors will want to close before the end of the year for tax purposes. If this is the case and you don’t want to move during the holidays of course you can coordinate a closing and possession date that works for you and your family.
If you list and your home doesn’t sell during the holiday season, what then?
That’s also something many homeowners ponder during this time especially when the area experiences winter months as this can not be the most ideal time to move in many locations. Again, for sellers being on the market during the first few months of the year allows you to position yourself as one of fewer homes for buyers to choose from.
The first of the year brings several factors that impact the housing market and can even help to stimulate activity. The first of the year is when many get transfers to new locations which will require a new house!
Additionally the very end or beginning of the year is when many get raises and promotions at work. This along with finding out how much money they will have to pay or will be getting back from tax returns also helps to simulate the market during the first few months of the year.
During this time of year buyers tend to have a little more time to look at homes as well as having more time off from work and all the outdoor chores that come with the spring season.
As a seller selling now may have you pocket a little more money as well since you will be one of fewer homes for buyers to choose from. You may also be able to negotiate better terms.
What if you also need to buy a home?
If you are also going to be purchasing a home you can possibly sell high and buy low if market conditions warrant such. If you sell now with fewer homes for buyers to choose from and then buy in the spring when the market becomes a little more saturated then you can possibly negotiate a better price.
Over the years I have always been surprised with the number of homes we’ve sold during this time of year. Once we even sold a home on Christmas Eve. What a Christmas present, right?
If you choose to wait until after the holidays you still want to consider getting a jump start on the spring market and all the inventory that inevitably comes with it. And, I always tell my sellers you can’t sell without being for sale. There is never really a bad time to sell as there are always people that need to move for the life changing events that are inevitable like new marriages, new babies, job transfers, divorces, deaths, and such.
Selling a home can happen at any time of the year. The primary keys to selling are as they’ve always been price, condition, availability and location! Get with your local Realtor and see what your can sell for during this time of year and see what the average time on market is, you may find it’s actually the perfect time to sell!
Since 1991 I've been helping homeowners buy and sell and would love to be of support to you if you are thinking of making a move please reach out to The Crouch Team. The Roanoke Virginia and surrounding areas are still experiencing a great housing market!
