The Chicago winter season is fast approaching, as any Chicagoan can tell by the rapidly declining outdoor temps. And while that means some Chicago condos will temporarily be taken off the market for a couple months, a smart seller knows the holiday season does not necessarily signal a moratorium on condo sales.
Even though January and February statistically see the fewest closings of the year, it doesn’t mean the Chicago condo market halts to a standstill during the winter months—far from it. During the holiday season the plethora of semi-interested buyers that usually filter through your open condo are replaced by a more selective, more serious group of shoppers ready to buy and move into your condo. That’s why a flexible, prepared seller should never neglect the importance of the winter months for securing a condo sale.
Some buyers are attracted to the calmer, less competitive nature of the condo market during the holidays. Because the market is slower, buyers get more attention from condo owners and real estate agents. A high frequency of families looking to relocate due to job changes are interested in buying condos during this time. So, too, are people who have just sold their home and need a new place to live and first-time buyers who want to take advantage of the affordability of Chicago condos right now.
Realtors agree that, although condo sellers may get fewer showings overall, those showings will typically be to people who are motivated to buy and financially prepared to make a legitimate offer. So it can be worth a seller’s while to keep their Chicago condo up for sale through December, January and February.
If you get an interested buyer during the holiday season, act swiftly to address their interest. Clear your schedule to make time for each and every person who wants a showing of your property. Even in the midst of the oftentimes busy holidays, never neglect your buyers. Selling your home can be a good excuse to take it easy this holiday season—instead of having everyone over to your condo for the big meals this year, let someone else take care of it. Focus all of your energy into the condo sale, and you will be met with positive results.
On that note, consider scaling back on the holiday decorations in your Chicago condo this year. The inherent charm and cheeriness of the season can play to your advantage with buyers, but don’t go overboard or the real selling points of your property could get lost under all that tinsel. Don’t distract too much from the actual layout and characteristic features of your condo—after all, you’re selling a home, not the decorations!
