Are you thinking about listing your Northridge home but are hesitant to put it on the market during the winter because you’ve heard that spring and summer are the peak home buying and selling seasons? While it seems like this is a terrible time to buy or sell a home in Northridge, winter is a great time to think about selling or purchasing a home!
Here’s why you should consider buying or selling a house in the winter in Northridge:
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How to Sell a Northridge Home in the Winter
The best news about selling a home in the colder months is that you know that buyers are motivated and serious. After all, why would someone time out of the holiday season or brave the freezing weather if they didn’t want to buy?
Benefits to Selling Your Northridge Home in the Winter
The so-called “off-season” bestows genuine benefits for those seeking to sell their home. Read on to learn some of the reasons why winter is the best time to sell a house.
» Less Competition
Though the market may be sluggish during the winter, your Northridge home for sale is sure to get more attention from potential buyers who aren’t willing or able to wait until the warmer months to purchase a home. Don’t wait until additional inventory comes to market before you sell.
» Demand is Strong
The latest Buyer Traffic Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that buyer demand remains strong throughout most of the country. These buyers are ready, willing, and able to purchase and are actively browsing the market now. Don’t wait! Take advantage of the buyer activity currently in the market.
» Buyers Mean Business This Time of the Year
Traditionally, homeowners think spring is a great time to list their homes when more buyer traffic may be actively searching. In the winter, however, the buyers seeking a home – whether for relocation or otherwise – are usually serious. They’re ready to make offers and eager to move, often quickly.
» End-Year Purchases for Taxes
Some buyers choose to purchase homes before the year ends for tax purposes, and December is the ideal period.
Tips for Selling Your Northridge Home in the Winter
» Take Photos Early
If you’re considering selling your home during the winter, ensure that you schedule a professional photo shoot of the property while the weather is nice and there is enough lighting in all rooms.
» Create a Warm, Inviting Atmosphere
When buyers tour your home, they need to be able to imagine themselves living in the house. Turn on the heat, light up the fireplace, and have something inviting playing on the television. Use the old trick of baking cookies since their scent will keep them exploring the home happily.
» Hire an Experienced Agent
A Northridge real estate expert like Mel Gibson knows all it takes to make your home sell faster. A professional agent will help set your home price at a reasonable amount so that it may attract potential buyers, thereby selling faster.
» First Impressions Matter
Also, when potential buyers visit, ensure everything is well-lit, the house is warm, and the gutters are clean.
How to Buy a Northridge Home in the Winter
Savvy home buyers know that winter is typically a good time to browse through Northridge homes for sale since much of their competition will remain holed up at home until spring. You might just snag a great deal on your dream house!
Benefits to Buying a Northridge Home in the Winter
Along with lower price tags, there are other perks to house-hunting during real estate’s traditional off-season. Here’s why you should consider buying a home in winter:
» Take Advantage of Last-Minute Tax Savings
Buying a house by late December instead of waiting until the following spring can allow you to take advantage of last-minute savings on that year’s taxes.
» Less Competition
While there are often fewer houses for sale in Northridge during the winter, you may be more likely to land your desired home closer to the asking price. Because not everyone wants to or can shop for houses during winter, you’re less likely to get caught up in a bidding war.
» A Good Time to Inspect
The colder months allow you to see how weatherproof a home is. Also, potential home issues that are usually harder to spot in the summer are more evident during the winter.
Some of the issues to check out for include:
- Ice damming in the gutters
- Roofing issues
- Broken window seals
- Window condensation and icing
- HVAC performance
- Proper ventilation
» Moving Can Be Cheaper in Winter
Since fewer people buy homes during the winter, this means less demand for movers, which in turn means more competitive pricing.
Tips for Buying a Northridge Home in the Winter
Here are some tactics to keep you ahead of the pack. Follow them, and you’ll be sitting in a new home by spring.
» Secure Your Financing As Soon As Possible
Securing financing is an essential first step when buying a home. Having your finances in order gives you a clear picture of how much house you can afford and lets you make an offer as soon as you find your dream home.
» Make Your Offer Stand Out
Since inventory is low in Northridge, sellers are getting multiple offers. Making your offer stand out is a great way to ensure it gets accepted. Cash offers and inspection waivers are tactics you can use to make your offer more appealing.
» Tour Homes Virtually First
Buying a home in the winter is already hard as is. Consider doing virtual home tours, as it allows you to narrow down the homes that catch your eye. You can then physically visit the ones that best meet your needs.
Are You Ready to Buy or Sell Your Northridge Home? Realtor Mel Wilson Can Help You!
No matter what time of year you choose to buy or sell a home in Northridge, our team of professionals at Mel Wilson & Associates can help you find the best deal! You can rely on our team of real estate experts to help you buy or sell a house in the winter in Northridge.
If you’re ready to start investing in Northridge real estate, contact Mel at (818) 993-4606 or fill out the online form.