Market Outlook: Sell Your House During the Winter Sweet Spot
A lot of people assume spring is the ideal time to sell a house. And sure, buyer demand usually picks up at that time of year. But here’s the catch: so does your competition because a lot of people put their homes on the market at the same time.
So, what’s the real advantage of selling your house before spring? It’ll stand out.
Historically, the number of homes for sale tends to drop during the cooler months – and that means buyers have fewer options to choose from.
You can see how that trend played out over the past few years in this data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Each time, the supply of homes for sale dipped during these cooler months. And then, after each winter lull, inventory started to climb as more sellers jumped into the market closer to spring (see graph below):
Here’s why knowing how this trend works gives you an edge. While inventory is higher this year than it‘s been in the last few winters, if you work with an agent to list now, it’ll still be in this year’s sweet spot. So, while other sellers are taking their homes off the market, you can sell before the spring wave of new listings hits, and your house will have a better chance of standing out.
Why wait until spring when you can get ahead of the curve now?
Fewer Buyers Also Means More Serious Buyers
Another big perk of selling in the winter? The buyers who are looking right now are serious about making a move.
During this season, the window-shopper crowd tends to stay busy with other things, like holiday celebrations, and avoids looking for homes when the weather’s cooler. So, the buyers out looking aren’t casually browsing—they’re motivated, whether it’s because of a job relocation, a lease ending, or some other time-sensitive reason. And those are the types of buyers you want to work with. Investopedia explains: “. . . if your house is up for sale in the winter and someone is looking at it, chances are that person is serious and ready to buy.”
Selling your house during the winter sweet spot is a strategic move that can help your property stand out in a less crowded market while attracting serious buyers. By listing now, you’re not just selling a home—you’re seizing the opportunity to beat the spring rush and maximize your selling potential.
With less competition and serious buyers on the hunt, you’ll be in a great position to sell your house this winter.
Connect with our team to get the process started today!
MY TAKE
Caroline's take on what you need to know
In today’s market, timing is everything, and the winter season presents a unique opportunity for sellers. With fewer homes on the market and motivated buyers actively searching, this is the perfect time to stand out. Listing your home during the winter sweet spot not only reduces competition but also attracts serious buyers who are ready to act.
It’s important to understand the market trends and how they can work to your advantage. By partnering with a knowledgeable real estate team, you can navigate this seasonal opportunity and position your home for a successful sale.
Contact us today to discuss your specific situation and create a tailored strategy to sell your home this winter.
Market Report December 2024
Here's the latest December 2024 Market Update showing year-over-year data. The data includes all Single-family homes, condos & Townhomes in the California Area sourced from MLS Listings for the period from September thru November 2024. This may include preliminary data and may vary from the time this data was gathered. All data is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
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Kyle Henry
Director of Marketing
Kyle.H@CarolineHuo.com
650.727.1308
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