Depending on the region, state or even town in which you’re selling a home, you’ll hear all kinds of advice regarding when you should put your property on the market. |  Image courtesy of Victoria Borodinova |
Reasons why serious buyers look for a Central Oregon home in the winter
As I write this post, the snow is falling. Some people might think snowy winter weather and difficult travel conditions would discourage house hunters from exploring the Bend residential market, but it’s actually the other way around. This winter, my phone started ringing on December 27!
Think about it: The buyers looking to close on a home at this time of year are serious about making a purchase; nobody roams around in knee-deep snow if they’re just kicking the tires.
Also, unless you have residential sales experience here in Bend, you’re likely unaware of the advantages of listing your home for sale at this time of year. That means there are fewer houses on the market between January and May. And while that means less choice for buyers, it means less competition for you.
In general, most buyers hunting for a home in the early part of the year have a goal of being moved in and settled in Bend by summer, when they can get out and enjoy all that Central Oregon has to offer: the Deschutes River and Cascade Lakes, the mountain biking, the trail running and hiking, the climbing, and outdoor life in general!
As I write this post, the snow is falling. Some people might think snowy winter weather and difficult travel conditions would discourage house hunters from exploring the Bend residential market, but it’s actually the other way around. This winter, my phone started ringing on December 27!
Think about it: The buyers looking to close on a home at this time of year are serious about making a purchase; nobody roams around in knee-deep snow if they’re just kicking the tires.
Also, unless you have residential sales experience here in Bend, you’re likely unaware of the advantages of listing your home for sale at this time of year. That means there are fewer houses on the market between January and May. And while that means less choice for buyers, it means less competition for you.
In general, most buyers hunting for a home in the early part of the year have a goal of being moved in and settled in Bend by summer, when they can get out and enjoy all that Central Oregon has to offer: the Deschutes River and Cascade Lakes, the mountain biking, the trail running and hiking, the climbing, and outdoor life in general!
 Image courtesy of Martin Lopez | Not to say that buyers will delay a move until summer; Many folks who move to Bend are year-round outdoorspeople. In winter, for skiers and snowboarders, Mt. Bachelor—the biggest ski resort in Central Oregon—offers 4318 acres of skiable terrain. The Cascade Lakes Scenic byway runs through the Deschutes National Forest below the towering peaks of the Three Sisters, Broken Top, Mt. Bachelor and others, and—though it closes in winter—the snow parks along the open section provide access to countless cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. All of these activities appeal to would-be buyers. More than that, come January 2, the holiday tourist season is largely over, meaning in-the-know buyers are here to experience Bend and the surrounding area without the holiday crowds; another good reason serious house hunters are here at the start of the year. |
Real estate professionals are more available in winter
| Because there are usually fewer properties on the market during the winter months, real estate professionals like mortgage brokers, escrow officers and home inspectors are likely to be more available at this time of year, too. This means that scheduling inspections and appraisals will be easier and faster than during other times of year, expediting the home-selling process. Also, any prep work, repairs, painting or other jobs that require a contractor will likely happen more quickly in the winter, when contractors are more available. Any Bend local can testify to the difficulty of scheduling a contractor in the summer--when new construction, repairs to winter weather damage, and renovations are in full swing. But in winter, it’s a different story. |  Image courtesy of James Wheeler |
If you’re planning on selling your home in Bend, the start of the year is a great time to list
Less competition, less inventory, but serious buyers who want to be settled before summer all add up to the start of the year being a great time to list your home for sale in Bend. It’s because of these reasons that I see two-thirds of my business between January and May every year.
If you’re planning to list your home in Bend this year, or even if you’re just curious about the market or process, don’t hesitate to contact me. I’d love to help you sell your home!
Click here to send me a message, or call me at (541) 410-2707
Come back to read my next blog post, which will be focused on why winter is a great time to buy a house in Bend and Central Oregon. I plan to post it soon!
Less competition, less inventory, but serious buyers who want to be settled before summer all add up to the start of the year being a great time to list your home for sale in Bend. It’s because of these reasons that I see two-thirds of my business between January and May every year.
If you’re planning to list your home in Bend this year, or even if you’re just curious about the market or process, don’t hesitate to contact me. I’d love to help you sell your home!
Click here to send me a message, or call me at (541) 410-2707
Come back to read my next blog post, which will be focused on why winter is a great time to buy a house in Bend and Central Oregon. I plan to post it soon!
