As we approach Labor Day, I am reminded of an odd experience I had working with a buyer over a “holiday” weekend.
I worked with an out-of-state buyer on Superbowl Sunday. They had a tight time frame, their checkbook and a pre-approval letter - they were there to buy. I attempted to schedule eight showings several days in advance. Still, five of eight sellers denied the showing request because “we are having a Superbowl party”. The buyer saw three of the homes on their list and made a full price offer on one of them the following morning.
There is an incorrect assumption that buyers don’t house hunt during the holidays; this could not be further from the truth. “Buyers take time off, too” and “everyone leaves town for such-and-such holiday” are seller misconceptions. In reality, any extended weekend - national holidays, federal holidays and school closings – is an ideal time to sell your home.
Buyers Have Time & Energy A ready, willing and able buyer wants to house hunt when they have the time and energy for it. A serious buyer will plan an outing with their agent well in advance. These buyers come armed with a good agent, their checkbook and a pre-approval letter. Isn’t this exactly the kind of buyer you’re looking for?
Minimal Competition There is a limited number of homes available for showing – and therefore, minimal competition - during the holidays. A majority of sellers “close up shop” during the holidays. Some sellers go out of town and choose to deny showings while they are away. And other sellers remain home, but choose to deny showings because they are at home with their families and don’t want to deal with the inconvenience of showings.
There are several federal holidays approaching that will provide many buyers with an extended weekend to house hunt and potentially buy your home.
- Mon 10/13/2008 Columbus Day
- Tue 11/11/2008 Veterans Day
- Mon 1/19/2009 Martin Luther King Jr Day
- Mon 2/16/2009 President's Day
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