Rochester Real Estate | LOCAL Homes For Sale https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com Rochester Real Estate | LOCAL Homes For Sale | Homes for sale in Rochester, NY, LOCAL Rochester real estate listings, market data, REALTOR® info, and high quality content updated every 15 minutes! Wed, 25 Jun 2025 11:50:30 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/cropped-SITE-LOGO-512-x-512-1-32x32.png Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter? – Rochester Real Estate | LOCAL Homes For Sale https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com 32 32 June Home Maintenance Checklist: 40+ Must-Do Tasks to Prepare Your Home for Summer https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/june-home-maintenance-checklist-summer-prep/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=20501 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> May Home Maintenance Checklist: 30 Essential Tasks to Prepare Your Home for Summer https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/may-home-maintenance-checklist/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=20484 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> April Home Maintenance Checklist: How To Prepare Your Rochester NY Home For Spring https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/april-home-maintenance-checklist/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=20364 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> March Home Maintenance Checklist: Get Your New York Home Ready for Spring https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/march-home-maintenance-checklist/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=20338 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How to Buy a House in New York https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/buy-a-house-in-new-york/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19906 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How to Sell a House in New York https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/sell-a-house-in-new-york/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19905 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Risks of Buying a Non-Warrantable Condo In New York: What You Need to Know https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/non-warrantable-condo/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19796 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> What Builders Should Know About Spec Construction Loans In New York https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/builders-spec-construction-loans/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19795 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Moving To The Finger Lakes Region Of New York | Guide To Relocating To The Finger Lakes https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/moving-to-the-finger-lakes-region/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19875 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Navigating the Numbers: The Pros and Cons of Using Online Home Value Estimators For New York Real Estate https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/pros-cons-online-home-value-estimators/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19794 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> The Role of Location in Home Valuation In New York https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/role-of-location-home-valuation/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19768 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Lowe’s vs U-Haul: A Review of Truck Rental Companies https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/lowes-vs-uhaul/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19758 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Understanding the Importance of a Seller’s Property Condition Disclosure https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/property-condition-disclosure-statement/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19632 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> What are Delayed Showings and Negotiations in Real Estate In New York? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/delayed-showings-negotiations/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19547 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> 8 Viable Tactics to Selling Your Home and Moving Out of State https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/selling-home-moving-out-of-state/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19542 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Unconventional Methods for Selling a House: Thinking Outside the Box https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/unconventional-methods-for-selling-a-house/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19519 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Should I Sell My House Off Market: Pros and Cons Explained https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/sell-house-off-market/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19503 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> What is PITI and How Does It Affect Your Mortgage https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/what-is-piti/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19498 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How To Set A Home Renovation Budget https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/home-renovation-budget/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19490 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How Does A Co-Borrowers Credit Scores Affect A Home Purchase? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/co-borrower-credit-score/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19474 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> New Construction Final Walk-Through Checklist: Ensuring a Seamless Home Inspection https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/new-construction-final-walk-through/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19458 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Essential Tips for Pumping a Septic Tank: What You Need to Know https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/pumping-a-septic-tank/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19450 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Can You Submit Multiple Offers On Homes At Once – A Legal And Ethical Analysis https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/multiple-offers-on-homes-at-once/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19414 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How to Get Your Home Photo Ready for Real Estate Listings https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/real-estate-photo-ready/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19409 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> What Does a Home Builder’s Warranty Cover? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/home-builders-warranty/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19394 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> July 2023 Greater Rochester NY Area Real Estate Market Update https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/july-2023-rochester-ny-real-estate-market-update/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19403 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Who Pays Real Estate Commission When You Buy or Sell a Home https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/real-estate-commission/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19366 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Quitclaim Deeds: What You Need to Know https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/quitclaim-deeds/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19358 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> What to Know About Selling a Home As Is for Cash https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/selling-home-as-is-cash/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19347 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How to Know if My House Has Paranormal Activity https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/is-my-house-haunted/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19342 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Why Find The History of a House https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/find-history-house/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19316 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> June 2023 Greater Rochester NY Area Real Estate Market Update https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/june-2023-rochester-ny-area-real-estate-market-update/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19313 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Do? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/real-estate-lawyer/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19181 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> May 2023 Greater Rochester NY Area Real Estate Market Update https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/may-2023-rochester-ny-area-real-estate-market-update/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19162 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> What to Know About Buying a Home For The First Time https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/buying-home-first-time/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19058 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> <strong>What Should a Buyer Look For at a Home Inspection?</strong> https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/what-look-for-home-inspection/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18983 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Companies That Buy Houses For Cash Reviewed https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/companies-buy-houses-for-cash/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18889 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Does Home Staging Work and What is The Cost? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/does-home-staging-work/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18814 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> What to Avoid When Getting a Mortgage https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/avoid-when-getting-mortgage/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18797 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> <strong>5 Options For Replacing a Roof Reviewed</strong> https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/replacing-roof/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18771 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> What Are Restrictive Covenants in Real Estate? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/restrictive-covenants/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18714 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Can The Court Force The Sale of Your House in Divorce? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/court-force-sale-divorce/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18693 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Real Estate Agent vs. Broker: What&#8217;s The Difference? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/real-estate-agent-vs-broker/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18650 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How To Determine Square Feet In Your House For More Accurate Property Estimates https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/determine-square-feet/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18167 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> 3 Things That Often Results in a Real Estate Agent Getting Sued https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/real-estate-agent-sued/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18133 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> The Top 5 Types Of Home Inspections Buyers Should Consider https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/5-types-home-inspections/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18119 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> The Pros And Cons Of Rent To Own Homes: What You Need To Know https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/pros-cons-rent-own-homes/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18104 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> 5 Smart Things To Do Before Moving That Will Help Ease Your Transition https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/things-before-moving/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18084 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How to Become a Real Estate Agent https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/become-real-estate-agent/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18071 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Renting A House Or An Apartment: Which Is The Better Option https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/renting-house-apartment/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=17871 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> The 5 Most Important Factors To Consider When Buying A House https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/5-factors-buying-house/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=17851 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> What Buyers And Sellers Need To Know About An Appraisal Gap https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/appraisal-gap/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=17827 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Pros And Cons Of Renting With Roommates – What You Need To Know https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/renting-with-roommates/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=17794 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> 6 Things You Should Know About Buying Land https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/things-know-buying-land/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=17773 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How Long Should Home Sellers Wait To Respond To An Offer On Their Home? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/home-sellers-wait-respond-offer/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=17745 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How To Buy A House With A Low Credit Score https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-to-buy-a-house-with-a-low-credit-score/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16819 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Things To Consider When Shipping A Car https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/things-to-consider-when-shipping-a-car/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16248 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Home Depot Truck Rentals: What to Know Including Pricing https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/home-depot-truck-rentals-what-to-know-including-pricing/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16156 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> 16 Things To Do Before Listing Your Home For Sale https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/16-things-to-do-before-listing-your-home-for-sale/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16138 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> The Biggest Home Inspection Mistakes to Avoid https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/biggest-home-inspection-mistakes-to-avoid/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16112 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How Your Credit Score Impacts Your Ability To Buy A House https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-credit-score-impacts-buying-house/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16086 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Top Winter Home Selling Mistakes | 7 Errors Made While Selling A House During The Winter https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/top-winter-home-selling-mistakes/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16051 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Top Winter Home Buying Mistakes | 11 Errors Made While Buying A House During The Winter https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/winter-home-buying-mistakes/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16013 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> What Address Change Form Should I Use At The Post Office? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/address-change-form-post-office/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15981 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> What Does Contingent Status Mean in Real Estate? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/what-does-contingent-status-mean-real-estate/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15956 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> DIY Renovation Ideas For Your Backyard https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/diy-renovation-ideas-backyard/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15937 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How to Rent Your First Apartment Guide https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-to-rent-an-apartment/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15931 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Tips For Selling A Home Virtually https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/tips-selling-a-home-virtually/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15907 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> The Complete Winter Storage Checklist For Your Belongings https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/winter-storage-checklist/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15885 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Should I Waive My Home Inspection When Buying A House? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/should-i-waive-my-home-inspection/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15870 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> The Biggest Self Storage Companies Reviewed https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/biggest-self-storage-companies/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15836 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Earnest Money and House Deposits Explained https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/earnest-money-house-deposits-explained/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15760 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Moving Mistakes To Avoid https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/moving-mistakes-to-avoid/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15568 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Top Mortgage Myths | Demystifying Common Home Loan Misconceptions https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/top-mortgage-myths/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15102 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes to Avoid https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/first-time-home-buyer-mistakes/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=14815 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> 10 Tips For Adding Appeal To Your Home This Summer https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/10-tips-adding-appeal-to-home-this-summer/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=14237 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Exploring The Merits of Smart Home Technology When Selling a Home https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/smart-home-technology-selling-a-home/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13782 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Top Frequently Asked Questions From Home Sellers https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/top-frequently-asked-questions-home-sellers/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=2424 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> First Time Home Buyer Programs In Rochester NY &#8211; Updated January 2025 https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/first-time-home-buyer-programs/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock http://rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=580 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How New Doors &#038; Windows Can Boost Your Home Value https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-new-doors-windows-boost-your-home-value/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13643 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Top 5 Things To Know When Flipping Your First House https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/5-things-to-know-when-flipping-your-first-house/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13574 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> What Are The Best Mortgage Options for Self Employed Borrowers? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/mortgage-options-for-self-employed-borrowers/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13450 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Top 10 Best Places To See Christmas Lights In Rochester NY https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/top-10-best-places-see-christmas-lights-rochester-ny/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=10236 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> What Are The PROs And CONs Of Multifamily Homes? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-multifamily-homes/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13219 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> What Low-Cost Home Improvements Should You Make Before Selling Your Home? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/low-cost-home-improvements-you-should-make-before-selling-your-home/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13114 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> 15 Things Millennial Home Buyers Look At While Buying A House https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/15-things-millennial-home-buyers-look-at-while-buying-a-house/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13028 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How Does A Fence Increase The Value Of Your Home https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-does-a-fence-increase-the-value-of-your-home/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12995 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> 5 Simple &#038; Low Cost Fixes To Make Your Home More Appealing To Buyers https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/5-simple-and-low-cost-fixes-to-make-your-home-more-appealing-to-buyers/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12779 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How To Improve A Homes Curb Appeal In Rochester NY https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-to-improve-a-homes-curb-appeal-rochester-ny/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12665 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> 7 Ways to Create an Energy-Efficient Home While Conserving Your Budget https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/7-ways-create-an-energy-efficient-home/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12633 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Hiring Movers Vs. Moving Yourself | The PROs &#038; CONs Of Each https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/hiring-movers-vs-moving-yourself/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12592 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Should You Pay Off Student Loans Before Purchasing a Home? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/pay-off-student-loans-before-purchasing-a-home/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12531 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Should I Build A New Home Or Buy An Existing Home? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/should-i-build-a-new-home-or-buy-an-existing-home/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=2497 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Buying A Condo Vs. Renting A Condo | What Are The PROs &#038; CONs? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/buying-a-condo-vs-renting-a-condo/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12402 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> 9 Money Saving Moving Tips | How To Cut Costs When Moving https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/9-money-saving-moving-tips/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12341 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How to Create a Proper Home Maintenance Checklist https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-to-create-a-proper-home-maintenance-checklist/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12300 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> 5 Tips For Tenant Screening | How To Weed Out Bad Tenant Applicants https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/tips-for-tenant-screening/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12291 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> The Best Social Media Blogs For Real Estate From 2017 https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/best-social-media-blogs-2017/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12045 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> The Best Home Improvement Blogs From 2017 | Advice For Home Remodeling https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/best-home-improvement-blogs-2017/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12044 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> The Best Mortgage Blogs From 2017 | Advice For Home Financing https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/best-mortgage-blogs-2017/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:30:47 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12043 Tips For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter Months [caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter[/caption] Now that fall is officially here, there are many potential home sellers who will be asking themselves if they should sell their home during the fall or winter seasons.  Many potential home sellers believe that homes don't sell during the fall or winter seasons.  This is actually a pretty common real estate myth. The truth is that homes sell all year long!  There are certainly some differences between selling a home during the spring months and selling a home during the winter months, however, it can be done.  Home sellers who follow the proper steps and tips in the fall or winter months will enjoy a successful home sale. In this article you'll find out the answer to a common question that is asked this time of year, "should I sell my home in the fall or winter?"  Read on to find out what the best tips are for selling a home during the fall or winter and also why it's potentially a great time to sell your home.  After reading this article, if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you'll be dancing all the way to the bank to cash that hefty proceeds check from your home sale!

Inventory Levels Historically Are Lower

One of most common reasons why selling a home during the fall or winter months is a great idea is because the number of homes that are for sale during these months is much less than their counterparts, spring or summer.  There are a number of reasons why real estate markets are different and inventory levels are one big reason. For example, someone selling a home in Penfield NY during the fall or winter months will face less competition because many sellers don't want people walking through their home with snow covered boots during the winter so they will wait until spring to list their home.  On the other hand, a seller in San Diego, CA will potentially face the same competition during the fall or winter months than they would during the spring or summer because they don't deal with poor weather conditions. It's important when determining whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months that you understand what happens to the inventory levels in your local market.  If you're looking for that information and not sure where to find it, you should consult with a local real estate expert who has experience selling homes all year long in your market.  They'll be able to provide you with the data and statistics to help you determine if your market experiences lower inventory levels during the fall or winter months.

Great Opportunity To Target A Buyers Emotions

[caption id="attachment_9863" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions! Selling A Home During Fall & Winter Months Provide A Great Opportunity To Target Home Buyers Emotions![/caption] Both the fall and winter months are filled with some of the most popular holidays.  One of the best tips for selling a home during the fall that is suggested is to embrace the season and it's no different for winter home selling. As you decide whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months, remember, that these months give you a prime opportunity to target a buyers emotions.  Since selling and buying a home is often emotional, decorating a home for Halloween or the Holidays is a great way to help a buyer envision themselves spending their next holiday in your home. There are many tips for staging a home during the winter and fall months.  Below are some of the most popular ways to improve the chances a buyer becomes emotionally attached to your home if you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter months.
  • Decorate your home with "warm" colors
  • Emphasize comfort during the cooler months
  • Use seasonal scents such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin
  • Turn up the heat/Turn on the fireplace
  • Don't forget fall or winter curb appeal
  As the last bullet above indicates, do not forgot about the curb appeal of your home if you decide to sell during the fall or winter months.  There are tons of great resources available that provide fall and winter curb appeal tips.  When selling your home, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression and often times, the curb appeal of your home is how a buyer will decide what their impression is.

Accurate Pricing Is Vital

Pricing a home right is important no matter the season.  If you're trying to decide whether to sell your home during the fall or winter months, you need to understand that pricing your home not only accurate but aggressive is vital. Aggressive real estate pricing is when a home is priced to attract tons of activity the first few days or week a home is listed for sale.  The goal is to end up with multiple offers on your home which should mean at least one offer at asking price or over.  Aggressive real estate pricing is one of the ways to generate multiple offers when selling a home. As mentioned above, inventory levels are lower during the fall or winter months but it's also important to understand that the number of buyers shopping for homes typically is lower during these months too.  Since there are fewer buyers in the marketplace, pricing a home higher to leave room for negotiations will not work because a buyer will just elect to not look at a home they feel is overpriced.  Leaving room for negotiations is a very common real estate pricing mistake that home sellers make and must be avoided if you're selling a home during the fall or winter months.

Unpredictable Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are unpredictable and no one can predict what they will do over the next few weeks or months.  Currently the interest rates are at historic lows which is great for home sellers and buyers alike. An increase in mortgage interest rates can make a huge impact on how much a buyer is able to afford.  If interest rates increase 1% between now and the spring market, it could drastically change the number of buyers who are able to purchase your home. As potential home buyers are deciding which type of mortgage is the best fit for their situation, one of the biggest factor are the interest rates.  A 1% increase in interest rates reduces a buyers potential purchase price by 11%.  This means a buyer who is qualifying for a mortgage up to $200,000 right at current rates will only qualify for $178,000 if the interest rates rise 1% over the fall and winter months. Not only does an increase in interest rates decrease the number of potential buyers of your home, it also can decrease your purchasing power.  If you're buying and selling a home at the same time and interest rates increase over the fall and winter months while you wait to list your home, you may not be able to afford the home you desire in the spring or summer.

Fewer Window Shoppers

[caption id="attachment_9864" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers Selling A Home During The Fall Or Winter Months Typically Equals Fewer Window Shoppers[/caption] As you decide whether you want to sell your home during the fall or winter months, something to keep in mind is that buyers who buy homes during these months tend to be more serious.  A buyer who is willing to trudge through snow or view homes while it's pouring rain is truly serious about buying a home, that is a guarantee. During the spring and summer months there are more buyers looking at homes, but many of them are not seriously looking to buy.  Some of the type of people you'll find attending open houses during the spring and summer months include "Larry the Lookie Lou" and "Nosy Ned The Neighbor." Both of these buyers are truly not interested in purchasing your home but have nothing better to do than window shop.  The fall and winter months often weeds these type of people out because they aren't willing to trudge through snow or get rained on just to look at homes. The potential buyers who are looking to buy a home during the fall or winter months buy quicker than those looking in the spring and summer months.  One reason for this is because these buyers want to be done with shopping for homes, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.  Another reason is because buyers in the spring and summer months often have more homes to choose from and feel they can be more selective when looking at homes and will want to view more properties.

Potential Job Relocation

There are fewer window shoppers during the fall and winter months, which is a great thing for a home seller.  The possibility of people being relocated to a new city for the upcoming years first quarter is a great reason to sell during the fall and winter months. If you're selling a home in an area that is experiencing growth in the number of job opportunities, selling a home during the fall or winter months is a good idea because these companies will want their employees settled before the first quarter begins. For example, a local company in Rochester NY, Paychex, is currently looking to fill several hundred positions.  People who are relocating to Rochester NY to fill these positions are in the market to buy a home now, during the fall or winter.  This is great news for local Rochester home sellers as it increases the number of prospective buyers for their homes. If you happen to live close to a large company that is hiring, a top real estate agent in your area will know how to target these prospective buyers.  A top listing agent will know the proper marketing strategies to sell a home and how to target these people relocating to your area.

Quicker Real Estate Transactions

During the fall and winter months in most real estate markets, there are fewer transactions.  This means mortgage lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and other parties involved in a transaction have more time to devote to your home sale.  If there are fewer transactions occurring this can often result in a quicker home sale for you. It's important to understand that there is no set amount of time it takes to sell a home, however, a good estimate is generally 60 days.  During the busy spring and summer months, since there are more transactions occurring, the number of days for a real estate transaction typically is higher than the fall or winter months.

The Verdict

As you can see above, there are many great reasons to sell a home during the fall or winter months.  If you've decided that you're going to sell your home in the next several months, waiting can actually be a bad decision. If you're unsure whether now is the right time to sell your home, there are many ways to know it's the right time to sell your home.  Consulting with your friends, family, and a top listing agent is a great way to analyze whether you should sell your home during the fall or winter months.

Other Resources For Selling A Home In The Fall Or Winter

Are you thinking about selling a home in Rochester this fall or winter?  If so, being aware of the above information should help you make an educated decision.  If you haven't hired a top Rochester real estate agent yet to sell your home, contact me and I'd love to setup an appointment to discuss your home sale!
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About the authors: The above article "Should I Sell My Home In The Fall Or Winter?" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>