Fall is traditionally considered one of the worst times of the year to sell a house -- no one wants to uproot kids from school and holiday season is on the horizon -- but Atlanta-based real estate pro Rhonda Duffy says this thinking is a mistake that can cost you.
"Even though many people assume that fall and winter are a bad time to sell a home, the numbers don't back it up," said Duffy. "We've found that fall is a great time to sell your home, and there are many benefits to keeping your home on the market during this perceived downtime."
In the metro Atlanta area, the FMLS listing database shows that over 31,000 homes sold over the past two years in the months of October, November, and December, Duffy said. Here she offers 5 reason to keep your home on the market or list it during the fall season:
- Less Competition: When other real estate agents pull down their listings, it gives you the advantage of having less competition.
- It Only Takes One: Even if there aren't as many buyers during the fall and winter months, you don't need a lot of buyers. It only takes one interested buyer, and you might miss the opportunity if you pull the listing during this time of year.
- Filter Serious Buyers: If a buyer is interested in viewing your home late in the day on Halloween, Christmas Eve, or over the Thanksgiving weekend, then you know they are serious buyers. People don't kick the tires when there are family parties to attend.
- Festive Home Décor: Most homes look and smell better during the fall and winter, because they are decorated for the holidays. When a potential buyer walks through the door, they will notice the festive, cheery, inviting feeling which helps them to envision their family in the same space.
- Avoid Extra Mortgage Payments: If you are moving during the fall/winter season, there's no reason to pay multiple mortgages just to wait until spring to sell your home. If you need to sell your home, then don't wait.
