Hi, I'm Todd Kornack with Schuler Bauer Real Estate Services. Every November I hear the same thing from homeowners: "We'll just wait until spring." Sometimes that is the right call. But winter has some real advantages, and I want you to know them before you decide.
Who is shopping in winter
Buyers who shop between Thanksgiving and February usually have a reason. A new job, a lease ending, a growing family or a move from out of state. They are less likely to be casual weekend lookers and more likely to write an offer. I have seen this firsthand. One seller of mine had been on the market with another agent for three months with no action. Within five days of relisting with me, we had a contract.
Less competition
The market has more homes for sale than it did a year ago. My November update counted roughly 3,500 active listings across both sides of the river. In September, the Louisville metro had 4,412 active listings, up 27.1% from a year earlier, and 2,022 listings took a price cut that month. Many of those sellers pull their homes off the market for the holidays. When fewer homes are listed, yours gets more attention from the buyers who are out there.
What to do differently in winter
Light matters most. Days are short, so turn on every light for showings, replace dim bulbs and open the blinds. Good photos taken on a bright day carry the listing when buyers scroll at night.
Keep it warm and dry. Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature, put a mat and boot tray by the door, and keep walks and the driveway clear of ice. A buyer who slips on the steps is not thinking about your kitchen.
Show off the systems. Winter buyers notice drafts and furnaces. Have your furnace serviced and leave the receipt on the counter. If you replaced windows, a water heater or a roof, list the dates.
Keep holiday decor simple. A wreath and a few lights feel welcoming. A living room packed with decorations makes it hard to see the space.
Pricing in a slower season
The homes that sit are almost always the ones priced on hope instead of recent sales. Across the Louisville metro, the median home spent 45 days on the market in September, up from 38 in May. Buyers have time to compare, so a fair price from day one is your best tool. I go over the latest nearby sales with you before we pick a number.
When waiting makes sense
If your home needs big repairs, or you simply cannot be flexible with showings over the holidays, spring may fit you better. We can use the winter to get ready and list early in the year.
Either way, a quick conversation now gives you a plan.
Todd Kornack, Schuler Bauer Real Estate Services. Your agent on both sides of the river. Call or text (502) 232 1915 or visit https://toddsellskentuckiana.huzi.site/
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!