Normally I consider the holiday season a great time to have a home on the market.  First, only real buyers are showing up, because there are too many fun, free other things to do if they are ‘just looking’.  Most sellers do not like to add the stress of keeping the home ready to show in addition to all the other activities between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  So only people that have to sell make their homes available.  In other words, everyone is serious.

Why is this year different?  For one, there are so many short sales clogging up the ‘Active For Sale’ status.  Many of these properties have already had an offer accepted but are awaiting lender approval.  Buyers waiting to hear if the lender okays a sale are on the sidelines, sometimes for months.  Also, the glut of bank owned properties mean many vacant homes that are very easy for agents to show buyers; they don’t even require a call to the seller. 

What does this mean to you.  Every buyer is critical.  Make absolutely sure your price is competitive with the homes that are truly comparable to yours.  Keep the exterior part of the property that faces the street as welcoming as possible.  If you get an offer, even if it is ‘lowball’, do not get offended.  Truly evaluate if you can live with it, and if not, do not reject; do a counteroffer…can’t hurt, might help!