With bitter temps and fewer buyers, the winter housing market in Pittsburgh can be brutal.
Add a pandemic to the mix, and things can start looking bleak for sellers. So, if you’re thinking of listing your home this winter season, you may want to reevaluate your options. We break down 5 reasons to reconsider the winter housing market in Pittsburgh:
- Selling and Closing Delays
If you’re in a rush to sell or in need of quick cash, the last thing you want to deal with is an unexpected delay on the buyer’s side. With bank holidays and Covid-related shutdowns, it may take longer than normal to finalize financials and paperwork. Houses also tend to stay on the market longer this time of year; according to Zillow research, homes listed in the winter stay on the market about five days longer than the yearly average. - Diminished Curb Appeal
Dreary skies, bare trees and snow-covered landscaping don’t make the best backdrop for a real estate listing. The shorter, darker days also make it more difficult for sellers to get a good look at your home’s exterior. This could leave you putting extra effort into expensive repairs and unnecessary touch-ups to compensate. - Budget-Conscious Buyers
Many people’s wallets are still recovering from the holidays in January-March. With the new year in full swing, your potential buyers may have a resolution of spending less and saving more, at least for now. This makes the winter a less than desirable time to sell. - Fewer Offers
Because of those budget-conscious buyers, you could ultimately receive fewer offers on your home. With less competition, buyers will have more room to negotiate for a lower price. So, any of those extra renovations you made to compensate for limited curb appeal may not lead to the bidding war you were hoping for. - Inconvenient Weather
Seasonality plays a huge role in the housing marketing, and Pittsburgh winters can present added challenges for both buyers and sellers. Rescheduling open houses and showings due to inclement weather can delay the selling process and add even more frustration for both parties.
Three Suns Property Solutions can offer a quick solution and help you to avoid these winter home sale pitfalls. Contact us today to find out how we can provide a fast, stress-free process for selling your home!