Top 6 reasons why the holiday season is the best time to sell a home in the Boston area

Less Competition

Many sellers believe that the Spring is the best time to sell. Not only is this not necessarily the case statistically in the Boston area, it also means less homes are on the market – reducing your competition and increasing demand for your house.

Sell High, Buy Low

Selling now and renting short-term or finding another housing solution could give you much more leverage heading into the competitive Spring market. By selling now, you have the opportunity to reduce the number of contingencies in your offer on a new home. Worried about where you’ll go? Use and Occupancy agreements are quite common, meaning you may not even need to move until you secure your new place. You’ll be more competitive in your new home search AND you won’t be stressed out going through two transactions at the same time.

Lenders aren’t as busy

The refinance business slows down as people become caught up in the holiday season rather than focusing on financing their home. Also, many buyers move to the sidelines due to the “hectic” holiday schedule and travel associated with celebrations. The fact that appraisers’ time frees up a bit and the paperwork taken off your lender’s plate can often mean a cleaner process and potentially a quicker closing.

Better qualified buyers

Buyers during the rest of the year are just as likely to be “tirekickers” or “nosy neighbors” as they are serious about purchasing a home. Take advantage of the holidays distracting these folks and allow those buyers with a true need (that’s who is likely looking at this time) to see your home. Serious buyers are always looking, they’re not taking breaks. Not only does this potentially mean more favorable terms for you, it also means less intrusions from showings with unqualified buyers or those still on the fence. Also, many large companies relocate employees around the first of the year, meaning there is a true demand by this segment of the buyer pool around the holiday season.

Scheduling Control

The rationale for not listing or taking a home off the market is often that sellers do not want to be disturbed during the holiday season. The fact of the matter is that the situation often plays out in the exact opposite fashion! Buyers are understanding that it is the holiday season and are often even easier to work with during this time of year, respecting the fact that sellers have family in town or are observing or celebrating their respective holiday. You stay in control the entire time!

You’re likely already keeping it clean

With all of the entertaining that happens around the holidays, you’re likely already keeping a bit more tidy around the house. That, coupled with the fact that the holidays are a time when décor shifts and homes traditionally look their best, can sometimes lead to an emotional decision when buyers are thinking about your home.