Reasons to List Your Home Before the End of the Year

As the year approaches its end, you might have made the choice to take action and list your home for sale. However, the question arises: should you initiate the sale now or postpone it until January? While the idea of waiting until after the holidays might be appealing, here are three compelling reasons to take the plunge before the start of the new year.

Get One Step Ahead of Other Sellers

Traditionally, in the residential real estate market, homeowners tend to be less inclined to list their properties as the year draws to a close. This trend is primarily due to the increased busyness associated with the holiday season, causing some to postpone selling their homes until the new year, when their schedules and social commitments have settled down. However, this situation presents you with a chance to gain an advantage.

Choosing to sell at this moment, while others might delay until after the holidays, can provide you with a competitive edge. Initiate the process by engaging a real estate agent today, enabling you to list your home before your neighbors have the opportunity to do so.

Get Your House in Front of Eager Buyers 

While the inventory of available homes for sale has increased in comparison to the previous year, it remains relatively scarce, indicating a shortage of homes on the market presently. While certain buyers might postpone their relocation plans until January, others may still need to move due to personal circumstances or life changes.

Such buyers will remain active in the latter part of the year and will be strongly committed to facilitating their move due to pressing circumstances. However, they will encounter a significant obstacle in the form of a limited supply of homes that can meet their requirements. As stated in a recent Investopedia article:

"If your house is listed for sale during the winter, and a prospective buyer shows interest during this period, it's highly probable that they are genuinely committed and prepared to make a purchase. Anyone in the market for a new home between Thanksgiving and New Year's is typically a serious buyer. Listing your home during this season and attracting such serious buyers can frequently lead to a faster sale."

Use Your Equity To Fuel Your Move

It's important to note that current homeowners are sitting on unprecedented levels of equity. As reported by CoreLogic, the average equity held by each mortgage holder has surged to nearly $290,000. This implies that the equity you presently possess in your home might be sufficient to fund a portion, if not the entirety, of the down payment for your ideal home.

As you consider selling your home before the end of the year, keep in mind the reasons that made you want to move in the first place. Perhaps you're looking for a home in a better location, one that offers more space for you and your loved ones, or your needs have changed over time. A local real estate agent can help you determine your equity and how to use it to achieve your moving goal.

Bottom Line

Selling your home before the new year can give you a unique edge in the market. With less competition, motivated buyers, and your equity gains on your side, you're well-positioned to achieve your goals quickly and efficiently. Contact a local real estate agent today to get started.