Discover the lesser-known reasons why you shouldn't take your property off the market for winter
If you're currently trying to sell your property and the interest is dwindling, you might be considering taking your property off the market until next year. STOP - this article tells you why!
Market predictions and analysts on the news always get their 15 minutes of fame with the doom and gloom stories that bring readers and viewers, so it's hardly surprising that the headlines are not particularly positive.
But, as with all predictions, there is no way to know whether they are correct, and with the property market that has seasonal changes, peaks, and troughs throughout the year, it isn't surprising that things have slowed down slightly.
The market has a natural slow-down as we move towards Christmas, mainly because our attention is diverted towards Christmas shopping and mince pies rather than viewings and offers. Don't be surprised if you have less interest during these winter months; there is no need to panic with drastic price reductions. There is also no need to throw the towel in altogether and take your property off the market.
Many buyers looking to buy in September and October hope to be moved into their new homes for Christmas. But if you are not one of those sellers that have sold during these months, all is not lost. There is no need to remove your property from the market because you haven't sold. There is no need to lose hope because the market is slower, and the man on the TV says that he predicts that there will be a drop. Instead, consider this time a welcome reprieve from the constant pressure of trying to sell your home.
- Enjoy a bit of breathing space and reboot. Here are just a few of the reasons that you can relax, even though the winter property market is slower, and it is not because your house price has dropped.
- Get 'winter-ready': Winter is a cosy time; that cosiness can be portrayed very well in your marketing and property presentation. Think thick, chunky blankets and roaring fires. Welcome viewers into your home, out of the cold. That feeling of welcome as they bustle in through the wind and rain could be enough to make them feel instantly at home, and an offer could be made quickly.
- You've got to be in it to win it: Only the most serious viewers will be battling the elements to view houses at a time when lots of properties are withdrawn from the market. Yes, there will be fewer of them, but your viewings during these winter months could be the ones that count. If many other sellers take their homes off the market because it is winter, the most earnest buyers will have fewer options. It could be the perfect time for you to give them something really spectacular to view and fall in love with.
- Take a break: Use the quieter winter months to enjoy a little break from the active marketing of your home for sale. It is even possible to inform your agents of a viewing holiday during Christmas so that you don't have to keep your home pristine and viewing-ready. Simply agree that viewing requests are put on hold until the new year.
- Relaunch in the New Year: You can relaunch your property to the market in the new year when activity picks up again with gusto after the Christmas break. Perhaps you can renew photographs or re-write the descriptions to give things a little refresh, too.
The market is slower, but many of the sales agreed upon during this slightly quieter time are often very serious and likely to complete. Take your foot off the gas slightly and enjoy this breathing space, ready to reboot in the New Year!
If you are interested in refreshing and renewing your marketing to get your home sold this winter, get in touch with our team of property experts, who can guide you through the process with ease.