If you want to sell your house but it’s the middle of the holiday season, you might be wondering if you should sell. That’s a valid question and, frankly, it makes sense to ask. In this blog post, we’re sharing 4 disadvantages of selling a house during the holiday season, which applies to sellers anywhere in the 48375 zip code area and other surrounding areas…
There are many theories about when the best time to sell your house might be. In many cases in and around the 48375 zip code area, spring is best, summer and fall are second best, and winter is okay… with the holiday season being potentially the most difficult time to sell.
4 Disadvantages Of Selling A House During The Holiday Season
#1. Selling During the Holidays Can Be Disruptive to Your Holiday Plans
The holiday season is a time for gathering with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner in Grand Rapids or enjoying a cozy evening with hot chocolate in your Ann Arbor home, these moments are precious. However, when a buyer wants to schedule a showing, you may have to pack everything up and leave at a moment’s notice.
For instance, imagine preparing for a family gathering in your Detroit home, and just as you’re about to serve your famous holiday casserole, your real estate agent calls with a last-minute showing request. It can be difficult to juggle the demands of selling while trying to maintain holiday traditions.
#2. Selling During the Holidays Can Be Messy
Michigan winters are known for their unpredictable weather. From snowstorms in Traverse City to freezing rain in Lansing, the elements can create quite a mess. When potential buyers tour your home, they may track in snow, slush, or mud, leaving behind wet floors and dirty carpets.
For example, a snowy day in Kalamazoo could mean that visitors bring in muddy footprints from your icy driveway into your meticulously cleaned home. While you can lay down rugs or towels, keeping your home spotless for every showing can be a challenge.
#3. Selling During the Holidays Can Be Cold
In Michigan, winter weather can be brutal, and keeping your house warm during showings is a constant battle. Buyers in Sterling Heights or Warren may open doors to inspect patios or garages, letting cold air rush in. They might even open windows to check seals or insulation, all while your furnace works overtime to maintain a comfortable temperature.
For example, during a showing in Livonia, a buyer might walk in and out repeatedly to examine the backyard or garage, leaving the doors open. This can drive up your heating bill, making the process both physically and financially uncomfortable.
#4. Selling During the Holidays Can Cause Delays
While you might be eager to sell your home quickly, buyers may have different priorities during the holidays. A family in Bloomfield Hills might enjoy viewing homes during their holiday vacation but delay making a decision until after New Year’s.
Additionally, banks and other financial institutions in cities like Troy or Southfield may have limited hours around the holidays, potentially delaying loan approvals and closing timelines. For example, a buyer might make an offer just before Christmas, but with their lender unavailable until January, the process stalls.
Is It Worth It?
While it’s certainly possible to sell your Michigan home during the holiday season, the process often comes with added stress and inconvenience. Between the snow in Muskegon, the holiday festivities in Frankenmuth, and the bitter cold in Marquette, navigating a sale can feel overwhelming.
However, if you’re determined to sell, planning ahead and working with a flexible agent can help mitigate these challenges. Ultimately, selling in the winter might require more patience, but with the right approach, it can still be done successfully.
Fortunately, there’s another way to sell and that’s how we can help…