Golden Realty Blog

Did you know that it is a big myth that that houses do not sell during the winter months? Sellers who wait until spring to list their homes become another property on the market to choose from. Let’s highlight a few reasons why we encourage sellers to list their homes or keep them on the market through the Holidays and the winter months, and not wait until spring.

There are statistically fewer homes on the market than there will be in spring. This means that a home for sale now is one of a few rather than one of many. Having your home listed in the winter means there is less competition, so you will stand out and chances are, sell your home during this period rather than waiting three months into spring and maybe summer.

During the winter months many buyers that have not purchased in the previous months do not stop looking. The buyers are still out there and they are ready to buy.

Typically buyers that are out shopping for houses in the winter months are motivated. If you do not have your home on the market when these buyers are looking, you are losing a valuable opportunity and the potential to get your home sold.

If you are a homeowner who is thinking about selling in the spring, think again. Don’t miss this winter window of opportunity to get your home sold.

Today, economists are finally reporting good news about the economy, stating that it appears to be in “recovery mode”. But, it’s going to take more than a single news story before the American consumer believes in their hearts that the “recession” is over. Based on statistical indicators the unemployment rate has slowed, housing inventory levels are decreasing and median prices are increasing. These are definitely good signs for a more stable economy and more specifically, a healthy housing market.

While this is really exciting news, the reality is it will take awhile for consumers to feel the effects, especially in areas like Eugene/Springfield. Here in Lane County, our housing market took longer to feel the affects of the “recession” and so it will take a bit longer to feel the recovery as the experts are now reporting.

However, we are experiencing an excitement in the housing market that some economists say they haven’t seen in 3 years. What is driving this excitement and engaging buyers, can be attributed to continued low mortgage interest rates, decreasing home prices and the $8,000 tax credit for first-time buyers. Does this mean prices have hit bottom? If the economic indicators are correct the housing market is stabilizing…what would you say?

We remain optimistic that these national indicators are just the beginning of the economic recovery both nationally and here in our neck of the woods.

Before hiring a REALTOR to represent your interests in the sale of your home, ask them the following questions. Although there are no right or wrong answers, how each REALTOR answers the questions will give you a good idea of the experience, professionalism, knowledge of the market, and customer service you would expect to receive from that REALTOR.

• How long have you been a licensed REALTOR?

• Do you work as a full-time REALTOR?

• Do you have assistants that work for you?

• How many homes did you list last year that sold?

• How many homes did you list last year that failed to sell?

• How many of the listings you took did you actually sell yourself?

• How many houses did you sell last year?

• What was your average list price to sale price for your listings?

• What is the RMLS average list price to sale price?

• What are the average days your listings are on the market?

• What are the RMLS average days on the market?

• Where do you advertise and how often?

• How do you communicate with seller’s and how often?

• Why should I hire you?