Thinking of Selling Soon?

By MICHAEL EDLEN | Special to the Palisadian-Post

Someone asked: “Is it a bad time to sell your house before the holidays and during an election year?”

When considering selling a home, timing can be one of the most critical factors affecting your success. Both of these periods come with unique challenges and opportunities, and this year will surely be interesting.

The Holiday Housing Market: Opportunities and Risks

The real estate market tends to follow seasonal patterns, with spring being the most active time for home sales. However, selling your home before the holiday season can offer unique advantages that may outweigh the conventional wisdom of waiting for warmer months. There are some benefits and potential drawbacks of selling during the holiday period.

Advantages of Selling Before the Holidays

1. Lower Competition from Other Sellers
   The most significant benefit of listing your home before the holidays is less competition. Many homeowners prefer to wait until after the new year to list their property, which means that fewer homes are available on the market during November and December. This can work in your favor, as your property is more likely to stand out to potential buyers in a less crowded marketplace.
2. Motivated Buyers
   The holiday season may attract fewer buyers, but those who are searching for a home during this time tend to be highly motivated. Many potential buyers have pressing reasons for wanting to move, such as relocating for a new job or securing a property before either prices or interest rates may increase again. This urgency can work in your favor, as motivated buyers are more likely to make quick decisions and competitive offers.

Disadvantages of Selling Before the Holidays

1. Fewer Buyers in the Market
   While the buyers who are actively searching during the holidays may be motivated, there will likely be fewer of them overall. The holiday season tends to distract many potential buyers, who may prefer to wait until after the new year to restart their search. This reduced buyer pool can limit your options and may make it more challenging to generate competitive offers for your property.
2. Seasonal Home Staging Challenges
   Another downside of selling during the holiday season is the challenge of staging your home. While holiday decorations can add warmth and charm, they can also clutter your space or detract from your home’s features. Over-decorating can make it harder for potential buyers to envision themselves in the property.
3. Holiday Disruptions
   Lastly, selling your home during the holidays may interfere with your own plans. Between showings, open houses and negotiations, the sales process can be time consuming and stressful. If you value uninterrupted time with family or prefer to focus on holiday festivities, the timing might not be ideal for you.

Selling During an Election Year: Navigating Uncertainty

Election years bring an added layer of complexity to the real estate market. Historically, election years have caused uncertainty in various sectors, and real estate is no exception. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that selling your home in an election year is a bad idea. Let’s explore the pros and cons of selling during a politically charged time.

Advantages of Selling in an Election Year

1. Motivated Buyers Amid Uncertainty
   One of the primary benefits of selling during an election year is that buyers may feel pressure to close a transaction before political changes take place. The uncertainty surrounding elections—particularly regarding economic policy and interest rates—can drive buyers to make decisions faster to avoid potential financial shifts after the election.
2. A Historically Resilient Market
   Despite concerns about election-year volatility, historical data show that the housing market remains relatively stable. While there may be a slowdown in the weeks before the election, the overall impact on home prices and sales volume is usually minimal.
3. Post-Election Market Stability
   Following the election, market uncertainty tends to dissipate, especially if interest rates and policies remain stable. This can result in a renewed sense of confidence among buyers, which can be advantageous if you’re selling in the weeks immediately following the election.

Disadvantages of Selling in an Election Year

1. Increased Uncertainty and Hesitation from Buyers
   One of the primary disadvantages of selling during an election period is the increased uncertainty among buyers. Many people prefer to wait until after the election to make major financial decisions, as they want to see how the results will impact the economy, interest rates and housing policies.
2. Market Slowdowns in November
   Historically, the housing market tends to experience a slowdown in the weeks leading up to the election, particularly in November. Buyers may be more cautious during this time, leading to longer listing periods and fewer offers. If your goal is to sell quickly, this seasonal slowdown could be a disadvantage.
3. Post-Election Economic Shifts
   While the housing market generally remains stable during election years, there is always a possibility of significant policy changes that could affect home values, taxes and mortgage rates. If you sell during an election year, you may be taking a gamble on how the political outcome will affect the market in the long term.

Making the Decision: Should You Sell Before the Holidays or During the Election Period?

Deciding whether to sell your home before the holidays or during an election year ultimately depends on your personal circumstances and risk tolerance. If you value the opportunity to stand out in a less competitive market and attract motivated buyers, listing your home before the holidays can be a smart move. However, you should be prepared for fewer buyers overall and the potential disruptions to your holiday plans.

On the other hand, selling during an election year requires you to navigate uncertainty but offers the potential for motivated buyers looking to close deals quickly. While the market may slow down temporarily, historical data suggests that election years don’t have a lasting negative impact on home prices.

In either case, working with a local real estate expert who is familiar with your unique situation can help you assess the current market conditions and determine the best timing for your sale.

Michael Edlen has handled hundreds of real estate transactions during eight election periods and 36 winter seasons. Contact him if you would like to explore the pros and cons of either buying or selling in the coming season: 310-600-7422 or michael@edlenteam.com.