Winter may be the right time to list your home

As the temperature drops and snow threatens, many home buyers and sellers think about punting their efforts to Spring 2017.

Winter is often labeled the “slow season” in real estate, but that isn’t always the case. In many instances, sellers should embrace the opportunity of the cold weather market.

Kevin Cranston, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty, said most people enter the home market for individual reasons that aren’t based on the time of year.

“If you truly want to sell your home, don’t be discouraged about heading into winter,” Cranston said. “There are buyers out there, and if it’s priced properly, the home is going to sell.”

Cranston believes there isn’t an “offseason” in North Idaho. He cited last year’s December numbers — 228 closed sales in Kootenai County — as an example of opportunity on the market.

“Year to date closed sales are up approximately 10 percent in Kootenai County, and I anticipate the trend to continue during the winter season,” Cranston said.

To be clear — a winter market can still be decidedly different than one in warmer months. In general, fewer homes will be listed, and fewer shoppers will be canvassing the market. But many of those extra springtime shoppers don’t necessarily translate into serious buyers. Casual shoppers, like those who shop real estate for leisure or who may not be 100 percent committed to a change, tend to take a break when the temperature drops below freezing. With foot traffic, quality is better than quantity.

While the market can be perceived as slower, Cranston said there are advantages to listing a home in the winter. The big one is the ability to take advantage of the reduced inventory.

“With fewer homes on the market, there is less competition and more opportunity to get a higher sales price,” Cranston said.

And even if you have fewer showings, chances are good you’ll have better showings.

“Buyers that are going to take the time to view are generally

better motivated, qualified and serious buyers,” Cranston said.

Many homes also show better during the wintertime too. Holiday lights can add an extra bit of elegance, and there’s less concern about landscaping, lawn mowing and fighting off those pesky weeds.

A number of new buyers enter the market in the first quarter because of job changes too — people who are especially motivated to take action on their living circumstances.

Cranston cites bustling online activity during winter months as another reason for listing now rather than later. Many websites see their highest online traffic in the winter.

“Most buyers start their home search online, and if you’re not on the market this time of year, you can miss out on that exposure,” he said.

Of all the things to consider, the month on the calendar plays a relatively minor role in how well a property performs on the market.

“There are really two reasons why a home doesn’t sell — if it’s not priced properly or if it’s not getting the exposure,” Cranston said.

For more information on winter listing or the Kootenai County market, contact Kevin Cranston of Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty. Call or text (208) 818-4050 or email kcranston@cbidaho.com

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