Is November or December a good time to sell your home?

The cold days of winter are right around the corner, and you’re thinking about selling your home. Should you put your house on the market in November or December?

The answer is yes, but with a word of caution thrown in. First, there are two reasons why you should consider listing now:

1. Less Competition. History shows that there are fewer homes on the market this time of year. Sellers who have had their homes on the market for an extended period of time often pull their home off the market over the holidays with the intent of trying again in the new year. Other owners who are thinking of selling now will often wait until the much-hyped “spring buying season.” So, your home stands a good chance of getting more attention now.
2. Serious Buyers. You’ll probably see fewer potential buyers at open houses this time of the year, but those who are out are usually very serious buyers. After all, why would anyone be out touring homes on a cold, rainy Sunday???

Is there a downside? Yes, as I alluded to above. There is a perception among some buyers that owners who are listing their homes during the winter months are selling because the have to. (And in some cases, the seller may indeed be in this situation.) Consequently, don’t be surprised if you get a low-ball offer from the aforementioned serious buyer. Be sure to do your homework and enter the transaction with a price range that you’re comfortable selling your home for.

So yes, November and December can be good for buyers and sellers. Just know that you’re operating in a market that’s different that at any other time of the year.

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1. “Off-Market” Home Sales: Trade-Offs for Sellers, Benefits for Buyers.
2. San Carlos Real Estate Sales Data — November ’07
3. Home Prices on the Rise in San Carlos.
4. Housing Slump? Not in San Carlos…
5. San Carlos Real Estate Report Card: November ’09.