Selling a house in the winter can be a big differentiator. How can you explain this to your clients? Today, we’ll present three strong arguments you can use if selling a home in the winter seems like the right move for your clients.
Before You Begin, Be Sure to Know Your Clients
Selling a house in the winter goes against the grain. Many Sellers want assurance that they’re making the right move, especially with such a big life decision. Just because selling a house in the winter can be a smart strategy doesn’t mean it’s the right strategy for everyone. That’s why it’s so, so important to establish your clients’ goals before making this suggestion.
Once you’ve determined why your clients are selling, you can help them decide whether winter is the right time for them. As you do this, you can do three things to help:
- Help Sellers better understand Buyers.
- Give insight on how potential Buyers communicate their wants.
- Be impressive.
Generally, selling a home in the winter is for Sellers looking for a quick but serious sale. With that in mind, let’s look at how you can convince cautious Sellers to sell during the “off-season.”
Serious Buyers Look in the Winter
One of the most frustrating parts of selling a home is window shoppers. In the spring and summer, Sellers are more likely to run into people who are “just looking” or who might just be curious about what the inside of the house looks like.
In the winter, Sellers are much less likely to encounter people who don’t have any intention of buying. Bad weather, shorter days, and year-end responsibilities make window shopping less prevalent.
On the other hand, people who do look at houses in the winter tend to be more serious about buying. They’re braving the elements. They’ve got their year-end ducks in a row. They may actively be looking now to avoid the spring housing rush.
And in some cases, selling a house in the winter can yield a higher price for Sellers. According to Trulia, “Statistics show that homes actually sell at a slightly higher price in winter.”
If your Sellers don’t want to deal with window shoppers, selling a home during the winter could be the answer. Be sure that your Sellers understand the difference between the kinds of Buyers who look in the winter and Buyers who look during peak seasons.
Coverage your clients deserve
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Fewer Homeowners Try Selling in the Winter
Sellers might be tempted to wait until spring because that’s when everyone else sells. But fewer Sellers on the market means more eyes on the houses that are on the market. This is an instance when going against the grain can be a big differentiator, especially if you and your Sellers can stage the house well.
When Sellers have less competition to worry about, it can create a quicker sale. With this in mind, it’s important that you clearly understand how urgently your Sellers want to sell. Make sure you ask this question directly, as it can help you serve your clients’ needs more successfully.
Selling a House in the Winter Can Be Faster
Between more serious Buyers and less competition, selling a home in the winter can yield faster sales. According to one Redfin study, when Sellers list their houses in the winter, they’re more likely to sell within six months than a Seller who lists in the spring.
For Sellers looking for a quick but serious sale, winter could be the right time to sell.
Let 2-10 Help Differentiate Your Listings
If you and your Sellers decide that winter is the right time to sell, make sure you protect them with Home Service Plan coverage from 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty (2-10). Coverage protects the home’s major systems (like heating and electrical) and appliances (like the oven) against routine breakdowns. With people using their systems and appliances more than ever, the risk of a breakdown while the house it on the market is more likely.
A winter sale can be a great win, but it’s not without its risks. With Seller Coverage from 2-10, you can minimize the risk of a major system or appliance breakdown derailing the sale.
