Why It Pays to List Your Home in Winter

A Redfin study indicates that even in Boston, Chicago, and other cold-weather housing markets, sellers tend to net more above asking price from December through March than from June through November. The research also found that homes listed in the winter sold faster than those put on the market in the spring. However, Indianapolis real estate agent Christine Dossman stresses that “timing always depends on supply and demand.” Sellers should consider the number of days on market for current and recently sold listings, and they probably should wait to list until spring if homes are sitting for more than 60 days. Those who decide to list in the winter should make sure to price the property right; inspect and repair the furnace, HVAC, and roof; weather-strip the windows and consider low-cost energy-efficient upgrades, like attic insulation, to reduce utility bills; brighten the home and create a sense of warmth with throw blankets and other seasonal touches; declutter and depersonalize; and boost curb appeal with basic landscaping and by fixing chipped paint, among other strategies. | Read More