Bears hibernate. Geese fly south. And Kansas City home buyers become different people in the winter. During spring and summer months, the competition, speed and market saturation can make selling a home in Kansas City an intense experience (in extremes, almost like speed dating!) When the selling season heats up, buyers can come flying through open houses in a veritable revolving door of showings. In the winter, selling a Kansas City home can be a tad bit slower. To make the most out of the last two winter months, it’s useful to recognize some of the hallmarks:
1. Buyers: May Expect a Deal
For whatever reason—blame HGTV or the rumor mill—many buyers have come to believe that in the winter and early spring months, there’ll be deals aplenty. That has not been the actual case for Kansas City in the beginning of 2014, but to enhance your property’s value, run with that Buyer’s mindset. It’s useful to remember that “deals” for selling a home aren’t limited to lower pricing. Consider how you might otherwise sweeten a deal. Who knows, your sweetening deal may create a bidding war, ultimately pushing your home’s value well above the cost of your added “deal”.
2. Inventory: Scarce
Buyers may be expecting that deal, but in reality, with fewer houses on the market, there may actually be more buyer competition for the gems that are there. That’s exactly what happened with this beauty. Eighteen showing requests, several interested parties and the property was under contract within 48 hours. If you are selling a home that’s highly desirable, don’t miss any opportunity to make it stand out from the crowd. Consider going the extra mile with staging and great photography – both of which are included, at not additional cost to you, as part of our services. All of these may help lead to a significantly higher sales price.
3. Weather: a Fact of Life
Scheduling your open house on what turns out to be a miserable day may be unavoidable. Make the most of it by warming up the house. A cozy, warm home (think fireplace, hot apple cider, oven-fresh baked goods) will make it easy for prospective buyers to feel right at home in front of their future fireplace. And remember that buyers are shopping online first—never more than in bad weather—so include pictures compelling enough to drag buyers out into the cold.
Selling a home in Kansas City any time of year rewards an artful, studied approach. Adjusting your tactics to make potential buyers feel like they are getting a deal and finding a gem is a winning game plan. If you have been looking for a marketing plan to get your home S-O-L-D this winter, give us a call today and let us put our professional plan into action!
