All I Want For Christmas...

by Darrin DeRoches December 27, 2012 - January 2, 2013

Some people might ask for something smaller but I spoke to several realtors last week who have listed a property one week before Christmas and are getting offers! It may sound a little strange because most people wonder who in their right mind would list a home, let alone buy a home a week before Christmas. These people are not out of their minds, they are actually taking advantage of a sellers’ market!     The properties are all different and are located in different areas but all have the same result one week before Christmas – offers! The selling of a property so close to the holidays seems like a crazy thing to do but these agents listing them are how they say “crazy like a fox.” A great agent understands the market and today’s market is screaming “Sell!” If you look at the activity of comparable properties in a specific area and you see little or no competition in your price range – it is time to list – today – no matter what time of the year it is. A quality product, priced well will sell anytime, but in today’s market you can ask a top price and still achieve your goals. This is where the majority of people will chirp in and say “wait until the spring market” and most people believe in the spring and fall market – but the real answer of when to sell is “what is the market doing today?”     I am in the process of renting apartments and we just signed two deals this week for apartment move in’s on February 1st. Again, you would wonder who is looking to move in the winter let alone pay top dollar for an apartment. Many people are looking and the response in the last week was amazing. The market is always moving and having the right product at the right time will bring you great rewards. If you are thinking of selling or renting I would suggest getting it on the market before the big push in mid to late January. The weather has helped tremendously and the outlook is a little cold but no big storms coming our way, so wait for everyone to sober up after the New Year and hit the market before everyone else does. Why? You will have a great advantage and less competition in the first couple of weeks of the year. Why compete with other properties and weather when you can sell before both slow down a sellers’ market. Ask top dollar and you will get it. Better yet call me and we can devise a plan that will bring amazing prosperity for the New Year! Happy Holidays! V     Darrin DeRoches is a local real estate and mortgage broker. He can be reached to answer questions, comments or stories about real estate experiences through this weekly column at mail@uniquerealty.ca.