As the holiday season is fast approaching, you’re maybe thinking, “Should we keep our property on the market or take it off?” or “ Is it okay to list now, wait until the first month of the year, or hold off until spring season?” In this blog post, we’re sharing four reasons why selling your Omaha house over the holiday season might not be a good idea.
Historically, home sales fall in the winter months because people usually travel, spend time with their families, celebrate holidays, or just don’t want to move in the cold. There are potential drawbacks to keeping your home on the market throughout the holiday season. Not all of them will apply to you, but it’s best to be prepared for everything that could go wrong with the holiday home sale.
Based on the Estate Agent Comparison website, to sell your home during the holiday season, you have to list your house on the market on or before October 20 because it takes an average of 64 days to complete the selling and closing process of a property.
#1. Holidays Slow Lenders Down
If you’re planning to sell your home quickly during the holidays, listing your property this season may not be the best option to take. Potential homebuyers have their own timetable; they might or might not decide over the holiday season. And even if they do, they might not be able to get financing from the bank because bankers usually schedule time off over the holiday season. In most home sales, underwriting the loan is the longest step in the process. During the holidays, you should be prepared for at least 45-60 days for funding to be approved.
#2. Never-ending Cleaning From Dirt and Snow
Selling your house during the holidays can be extra messy, especially if you’re living in a rainy or snowy area. Having snow, chunks of mud, and dirt tracked through your house can be frustrating, and it’s not very pleasant to clean. You have to constantly clear ice from pathways for your potential homebuyers to go safely in and out of your house.
#3. Disruptive To Your Holiday Plans
The holidays amplify the inconvenience of showings and open houses. There is usually a lot going on over the holiday season; this is the time when workplaces host events, families are gathering for dinner parties and planning family movie nights while drinking a hot cup of chocolate coffee. If you’re trying to sell your house this season, potential buyers may schedule an open house when you already have plans, and you might not have a choice but to pack everything up and prioritize your house showing.
#4. Selling During The Holidays Can Be Cold
When putting your house on the market over the holiday season, you’ll probably have a small pool of buyers because most people are busy and want to focus on family get-togethers and spending time with their families. Usually, they are inside the house, turning up the warmth and not roaming around looking for open houses.
In many parts of the country, the cold weather keeps people indoors. They aren’t out and about, attending open houses, looking for “sale signs,” or thinking about giving up the comfort of their current property. If you live in a place with snow and ice, people are more likely to be concerned with safety. It is scarce that you’ll find people who are deliberately trying to pick up and move during the holiday season (even in the warmer states). People like to hibernate, cozy up indoors, and often don’t think much about buying a new house.
Is It Possible To Sell My House During The Holidays?
With these four disadvantages of selling your Omaha house during the holiday season has been said, it might not apply to everyone. It’s important to do your research and gather all possible options on how you can sell yours amidst the hectic holiday season. Working with a professional home buyer like Anna Buys Houses may be a great option for you; they can purchase houses regardless of condition and at any time of the year.
If you’re planning to sell your home to a direct professional homebuyer, you can reach us at 402-313-8700, and we’ll start the process right away!
Additional readings:
- How To Sell Your House in Omaha During the Holidays – A Guide for Sellers
- 4 Suggestions for Selling a Home in the Midwest During Winter Months
