Thursday, February 2, 2017

List my Twin Cities Home in February? Are You Kidding?



For the past decade or so, my clients who have listed their homes in the dead of winter have had the greatest success. I am not kidding about this. Sure, some days are bitter cold and people have to be bundled up, but they DO move. 

FACT: There are many more buyers in the Twin Cities searching for the perfect home, than homes on the market listed for sale.

Even diehard Minnesotans believe no one moves in February. It’s so darn cold everyone is hunkered down inside. But Minnesotans don’t hibernate. We go to work, the gym, restaurants and generally live our lives embracing the cold. Believe it or not, there is currently an over abundance of Minnesotans who want to move THIS winter. And with interest rates edging up, there are many home buyers who don't plan to wait until spring to purchase a first home or move up to a bigger home, better school district or closer to their new job.

Winter after winter, I try to convince sellers to believe how low the housing inventory is in February compared to the amount of active home buyers. It is really difficult to overcome that ingrained belief to wait until that “hot spring market” when the weather is warm and grass is green. Sellers assume they will get a better price in May or June. However, it is just the opposite. If a homeowner can get their house listed BEFORE spring, they are more likely to get top dollar and generate multiple offers.

I recommend to my clients to try to get listed before the Parade of Homes starts in early March. My reasoning? It comes down to basic supply and demand. There is a demand for affordable starter homes right now and very little housing supply in February and March. Not every buyer can afford new construction but the Parade advertising really motivates people to move. Home sellers that get your home listed soon, might be hanging the sold sign sooner than expected (and for a good price too!)  

Need tips to get your Minneapolis/St Paul home SOLD? Email me for Teri's Top 10 Tips to a Quick Sale

Thinking of selling in 2017? Let me be your professional REALTOR®, give me, Teri Eckholm of BOARDMAN Realty, a call or visit my website for a FREE Home Buyer Success Guide or FREE Home Value Report. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota. 

Copyright 2017 terieckholm.com

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