As this is our first post of the year, may we start off by wishing you all the very best for the next 12 months and beyond. Things are geared up to be interesting, to say the least, but one thing will remain certain throughout 2019...your weekly installments of property information from Petty’s! We really hope you enjoy what we have in store for you over the coming weeks.
Right, let’s get down to business, shall we? Today’s task is to convince you that January is indeed a good time to sell your property, and we aim to do so with three straightforward points. Now, this post is in no way going to try and buck the ‘spring is best’ philosophy, but we do think it’s important to let sellers know that there’s a lot to be said for acting quickly once the calendar resets.
So, let’s get started with point number one…
Fresh start
First on the list is the simple fact that everyone experiences that urge for a fresh start come January, and property purchasers are no different. Many will have all but given up in November and December, opting instead for Christmas shopping and time with family rather than traipsing around looking at property. So, once the New Year arrives, they’re chomping at the proverbial bit.
Opting to market your property in January can see you take advantage of this new batch of buyers before other sellers wake up and decide to make their move. Be first, and capitalise on the early interest from people looking to buy at the start of the year.
Supply and demand
Following on from the first point, supply and demand also comes into play here. Of course, it stands to reason that there are fewer people out there looking to purchase property and move while the air is icy, but that doesn’t mean there are none, either. As mentioned above, many see January as a time to get going with their new plans, and a bit of cold weather isn’t going to stop them taking action on the goals they’ve set over the holiday period.
So, the demand, albeit less than it will be in a few months’ time, is there, but what of the supply side of things? This is where things get really interesting for the canny seller - far fewer people market their homes in January and February, so the supply part of the equation is often out of whack with demand, which is great if you’re looking to sell, as there’s simply less choice out there for buyers who need to move now.
Less hassle
Our final point on why January is a great time to sell your home is this: Only serious property buyers shop at the start of the year.
Why? Well, unlike spring and summer when the weather is warming up and people start to come out of hibernation, January, February, and even early March, can be bitterly cold and the vast majority of people will be (quite sensibly) indoors, on the sofa in front of Netflix with a hot chocolate in hand. This time of year is not peak tyre-kicking season (i.e. there are fewer people who like to view property with zero intention of buying around), that’s for sure.
This means you’ll have fewer people viewing your home, but that can be a blessing when each and every one of those viewers are definitely looking to move in the not too distant future. Of course, your property may not be right for them, but at least they are serious buyers and you stand a chance of selling...something that isn’t possible if all they’re interested in is how you’ve decorated your hallway!
If you want to beat the spring rush and get your property listed before the masses move in, get in touch with us today. It could make your New Year!
