November 2023 Newsletter

Reasons To Sell Your House Before the New Year

As the year winds down, you may have decided it's time to make a move and put your house on the market. But should you sell now or wait until January? While it may be tempting to hold off until after the holidays, here are three reasons to make your move before the new year.

Get One Step Ahead of Other Sellers

Typically, in the residential real estate market, homeowners are less likely to list their houses toward the end of the year. That’s because people get busy around the holidays and sometimes deprioritize selling their house until the start of the new year when their schedules and social calendars calm down. But that gives you an opportunity to get one step ahead.

Selling now, while other homeowners may hold off until after the holidays, can help you get a leg up on your competition. Start the process with a real estate agent today so you can get your house on the market before your neighbors do.

Get Your House in Front of Eager Buyers 

Even though the supply of homes for sale did grow compared to last year, it’s still low. That means there aren’t enough homes on the market today. While some buyers may also delay their plans to move until January, others will still need to move for personal reasons or because something in their life has changed.

Those buyers are still going to be active later this year and will be seriously motivated to make their move happen because they need to. Unfortunately, the challenge they'll face is a shortage of available inventory to meet their needs. A recent article from Investopedia says:

“. . . if your house is up for sale in the winter and someone is looking at it, chances are that person is serious and ready to buy. Anyone shopping for a new home between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is likely going to be a serious buyer. Putting your home on the market at this time of year and attracting a serious buyer can often result in a quicker sale.”

Use Your Equity To Fuel Your Move

Keep in mind that homeowners today have record amounts of equity. According to CoreLogic, the average amount of equity per mortgage holder has climbed to almost $290,000. That means the equity you have in your house right now could cover some, if not all, of a down payment on the home of your dreams.

And as you weigh the reasons to sell before year-end, it's important to remember the reasons that sparked your desire to move in the first place. Maybe it’s time for a new home in a location that suits you better, one that offers the perfect space for you and your loved ones, or maybe your needs have evolved over time. A local real estate agent can help you determine how much home equity you have and how you can use it to achieve your goal of making a move.

Bottom Line

Listing your home before the new year can offer unique benefits. Less competition, motivated buyers, and your equity gains can all play to your advantage. Reach out, and let's achieve your goals before winter sets in.

The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Keeping Current Matters, Inc. does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Keeping Current Matters, Inc. will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.

Local Data. National Insights.

…at Keller Williams Success Realty last month.

In our area this month…

Our market sits established in a strong sellers’ market, especially in Schaumburg and McHenry.

Across the NW Suburbs of Chicago, inventory remains low and competition remains high. But new listings continue to come on the market.

If you are considering selling your home, now might be your chance to snag all the benefits this market has to offer. Connect with me to learn more about your unique situation.

Roasted Carrots with Preserved Lemons and Dates

Ingredients

  • 7 large (1 pound total) orange carrots and purple carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, plus more to to taste

  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)

  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (from 1 navel orange)

  • 2 tablespoons za'atar

  • 2 teaspoons honey

  • Pinch of kosher salt

  • 1 cup pistachios, gently smashed

  • ½ cup chopped dried dates (about 5 dates)

  • ½ cup roughly chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

  • ½ cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro

  • ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh mint

  • 2 ½ tablespoons chopped preserved lemon

Directions

Prepare the Carrots:

  1. Place a large rimmed baking sheet in oven and preheat oven to 400°F. Toss together carrots and oil in a large bowl, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove hot baking sheet from oven and place carrots, cut-side down, on baking sheet. Roast carrots until lightly browned and cooked through but not soft, 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through baking time.

While carrots roast, prepare the Vinaigrette:

  1. Place oil, lemon juice, orange juice, za'atar, honey, and salt in a small bowl or jar (secure lid to jar if using); whisk or shake until combined.

  2. Remove carrots from oven, and transfer to a cutting board; let cool slightly, about 5 minutes. Cut into 1-inch pieces, and place in a large bowl. Add pistachios, dates, parsley, cilantro, mint, and preserved lemon. Drizzle Vinaigrette evenly over carrot mixture; toss to combine.