According to avid football fans, the winter holiday season extends all the way through early February, specifically through Super Bowl Sunday. Parties, events, and gatherings for the big game day take planning and forethought, so why would you interrupt the extended party season by putting your home on the market?
Reasons why you might sell now:
- Proximity: If your property is near this year’s Super Bowl (or a future venue), market your home to investors as a game-day rental. Savvy buyers look for ways to cash in on the big event.
- Purpose: A home with a massive bonus or media room is perfect for a future fan gathering. Even if the sale doesn't close before the game this year, buyers that like to entertain for the event will see the potential for next year's party. Be sure to market your home’s advantages as next year’s go-to Super Bowl party’s location.
- Participation: Let’s face it, not everyone takes part in the Super Bowl frenzy, uh, festivities. Many buyers do not schedule their lives around the NFL annual championship game at all. Those potential buyers look for a home when it suits them. While you may not want to have an open house on game day, having one the day before could be perfect for you.
- Payday: Earlier income tax filers may have their refunds before the end of January. If that’s the last little nudge they needed to put their down-payment savings over the top, they’ll be ready to check out what’s available on the market.
- Primetime: Typically, the winter market has lower inventories, making it a perfect time to capture buyers needing to make a home purchase during the colder months.
If you do put your home on the market before the Super Bowl, take care to prepare your home for a winter sale adequately. Keep walkways, driveways, and entryways clear of ice, snow, and debris. Showcase your energy efficient windows by keeping window coverings at a minimum and set the thermostat to a comfortable, but not over-warm temperature. When showing your home, light a fire in your gas fireplace, but avoid burning a wood fire since some buyers might be allergic to wood smoke.
Your local real estate professional understands the winter market for your area, so utilize their marketing expertise to optimize your sale.
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