Selling Home in Wintry Off-Season Poses Challenges

Although most homeowners wait until spring to put their properties on the market, real estate agents say buyers and sellers in the winter market are more serious about getting a deal done. However, there are challenges to selling a property during the cold season, as snow can make it difficult for buyers to find parking on the street and put a damper on curb appeal. Snow and salt also are brought into the home, posing cleaning challenges. Even so, Realtors say there is less competition in the winter; and with sellers more motivated during these colder months, buyers may be able to command a better price. Moreover, lenders are processing fewer mortgage applications, so financing can be arranged more quickly. Buyers also benefit from seeing how the home performs in winter in terms of heating and drafts, but snow-covered decks and foundations could complicate home inspections. Realtors say buyers should request that sellers put money in escrow or offer a home warranty to cover repairs to air conditioning, pools, and other items that cannot be inspected in the winter. | Read More