Conventional wisdom has long had a tendency to steer buyers and sellers away from the housing market in January and the cold winter months. Ask a realtor and they’ll warn you that January is one of the slowest months when it comes to real estate. But, if selling your house is on your 2022 New Year Resolutions list, don’t let that deter you from listing anyways. There are a lot of positives that come with selling your house in January.
Why should you sell your house in January?
Reduced Inventory
Putting your house on the market when there aren’t as many houses for sale is going to make your home stand out even more. It’s not going to help you get more than market value, but it’s going to help you get what you need out of the property. Less competition means better odds for your house.
Serious Buyers Only
Even in Georgia, the weather’s colder in January than April and May. So most of the more casual home shoppers are going to put their looking off until the end of the cold patch. If a person is out and about during January looking for their new home, they’re serious about buying a house soon. Much less time wasted on less than serious buyers.
How to help your house sell in Winter
When you’re listing your house this January, keep these things in mind:
- Get your holiday decor down ASAP, before you get your realtor in for photos get your Christmas tree down and out of the house.
- Set up good curb appeal, just because the garden is dead doesn’t mean there’s no way to make the front of the house look well cared for and inviting.
- While you’re out there, make sure you’re keeping your walkways clear of ice and snow. We don’t get a lot of it here, but it’s worth being proactive about it.
- Utilize seasonal smells, particularly oranges and other citrus with cinnamon. Set a croc pot full of spiced cider on before a showing.
- Create a general feeling of warmth throughout the home. When you’re cleaning for a showing add a few more pillows and throw blankets, to bring attention to the cozy winter atmosphere. And while you’re at it, crank up your thermostat a few degrees so when buyers come in from the chill outside they’re greeted with the smells of cinnamon, citrus, and the warmth of home.
Did your house sell already?
Give us a call! At Frank B. Pallotta Law we are licensed Real Estate Lawyers with 20 years of experience helping our clients in Georgia navigate the closing process. Reach out to us with your questions. We’re here to help.
