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I know that spring is technically just around the corner — and we’re all hoping it gets here sooner rather than later — but I have a feeling the winter weather is going to stick around for a few more weeks. And I know there are Niagara residents out there who aren’t just waiting for spring because of the warmer weather, but you’re looking to buy a new home then, too.
I have a secret. You don’t need to wait for spring to find your dream home. The spring real estate market in Niagara is already here. In fact, it started two weeks ago! Selling your house in Niagara now offers some major perks that you won’t see once the warm weather hits. Take advantage of the quieter Niagara real estate market by selling your house while it’s still freezing outside.
Fewer competitors
Most of you probably already know that most homes are listed during the spring and summer months, which means it can seem like slim pickings for buyers right now. But it really doesn’t matter what time of year it is. In fact, more than the time of year, it is more about supply and demand.
While there are fewer buyers in Niagara during the winter months, there are usually fewer homes to compete with, too (this is known as a seller’s market). Less options on the market means that eager buyers are looking to make a splash on the market and will jump all over your home now so that their closing date is in the spring. Think of it this way, if you are selling a home with a pool, your buyer is going to want to be there in time to open it and take advantage of the entire warm season. The early bird catches the worm for both sellers and buyers.
Stronger home prices
When someone decides to sell a house at the end of winter, they are usually seeing some pretty motivated buyers. They want to close on May 1st, not the end of June (busiest closing date of the year). These buyers value their time and are looking to maximize the summer season in their new backyard.
With the lack of supply right now, your Realtor will be able to help you negotiate a much better deal that you would be able to if you were selling a house in the spring when competition is higher and the buyer has more homes to choose from (what we in the biz call a buyer’s market).
Optimism is in the air
When you are selling your home in the spring and summer, you want your gardens to be in full bloom, the birds to be chirping in the trees, your grass to be green and lush and your pool to be glistening. I get that. So right now, buyer’s won’t be able to check out your best selling feature. But this is where your listing Realtor comes in. They can help to showcase your home and paint a picture of how your backyard can create the perfect lifestyle in the warm months ahead.
If you’ve been thinking about selling your home in the spring, get an edge on the market and dive in now. There are lots of frustrated buyers looking right now and they’re all over each new listing that hits the market.
