Sell in winter; WIN

A lot of agents feed you the same surface level advice:

“List in the spring, wait for more buyers.”

Let’s talk about what really gives you the edge, why you’ll cash in while your neighbors wait and watch.

Now I understand, my brethren in the industry work hard all year. And I know some agents that take from Thanksgiving till New Year’s off. Maybe that’s why they’re pushing their business off till the spring.

But I also believe there’s a perception amongst real sellers that you can’t sell a home in the winter. Actually, I know about that MIS conception.

So, do you know how much less competition there is in the winter? Maybe 10, maybe 20% less?

Try 65 to 80% less:

Actual City of Boulder MLS new listings, July vs. December (last four years):

2022: July 281, December 55 (80% fewer )
2023: July 185, December 64 (65% fewer)
2024: July 220, December 51 (77% fewer)
2025: July 191, December 63 (67% fewer)
2026: July 237…………….

Let that sink in:

Two out of every three sellers who would’ve listed in July choose not to list by December.

What do you think that does to the pricing curve for the ones who do?

And let’s mention the fact that rates sit at 6.89% right now. If you’re in a home under $1M, that number moves buyers. Every eighth of a point widens or narrows your buyer pool.

If you’re in the luxury tier, rate matters less, your buyer isn’t financing on the margin, but scarcity still works in your favor either way.

Spring sellers drown in a sea of new listings.

List in October, November, December, and buyers fight over your place, and scarcity means they pay more.

Here’s what a lot of my brethren miss.

Serious Buyers means no tourists and tirekickers in the winter.

Buyers right now till the end of the year are focused, flush with cash, and need to move. Casual lookers stay home for the holidays.

Corporate & Out of State Transfers:

January job starts drive year end relocations. These buyers must lock contracts now, and not wait for spring when they’re competing with the masses.

Tax Motivated Offers:

End of year buyers race to close before Jan 1st for tax breaks. You get leverage you can’t recreate after New Year’s.

Holiday Decor = Emotional Premium:

Boulder buyers respond to homes that “feel like home” during the season. Bob and Marcia found that out last winter, when they re evaluated price based on a lack of inventory, and extra $100K showed up in their pocket.

Yea, I get it, you don’t want people traipsing through your decorated home during the holidays. BUT, do you want an easier, more lucrative transaction?

Control Over Showings:

You set your schedule. Limit showings for holiday meals, maximize exposure on your terms.

Third Level Strategy:

List now, negotiate a post holiday closing for early 2027, and shop for your next home as a non contingent, premium buyer in spring’s crowded market. Sell high first, then buy low.

Don’t be the neighbor who waits and regrets it.

Get your custom “holiday premium” analysis, see down to the dollar what waiting could cost you. I’ll run a net for you and show you a bespoke marketing plan, designed for you.

Reply “HOLIDAY STRATEGY.” I’ll send you a private strategy designed just for you so you don’t miss your advantage.

Those sellers who wait till spring will bank less, perhaps buy poorly, and wish they’d acted now, when inventory is about to shrink and rates sit where they are.

Real strategy wins now. Ready when you are.

Peace.