If you are thinking about selling; now may be worth it. The low inventory of homes for sale in Ada County has driven home prices for months now. According to Boise Regional REALTORS®, in November 2016, there were only 1,730 homes for sale in Ada County, just 66 more than the historic low point of 1,664 in January 2013. Compared to a year ago, inventory in November was down 9.8%, but between October 2016 and November 2016, it dropped 21.3%, with 220 fewer homes for sale.
This is great news for anybody considering putting their home on the market. Homeowners may think that they should wait until spring to sell their homes, as was the case traditionally. But, if you live in Boise, with the market as strong as it is, selling during the winter months is as good a time as any.
And, if you currently own a home in East Boise, you might be happy to learn that price-per-square-foot numbers are up over last year. Check out the East Boise Real Estate Market Report below, which illustrates by subdivision the numbers of homes sold, average price-per-square-foot, average sold price and average days on market for 2016 (statistics provided by Intermountain MLS). If you don’t see your neighborhood, please call us, the Templeton Real Estate Group, for your FREE market analysis – 208.473.2203.
Here are three tips you can use to attract buyers if you are selling during the winter:
- Have a cozy, crackling fire (or not). If you have a gas fireplace or new clean-burning woodstove, go ahead and light a fire to welcome visitors. But if your home’s wood-burning fireplace is older and leaves a smoky smell in the room, hold off. Those with allergies or smoke sensitivities can be turned off — or literally turned away when they have to go outside. No fire? Consider offering warm apple cider instead.
- Keep entryways scrupulously clean. As with any time of year, a clean and clutter-free house will sell more easily (and maybe at a higher price) than one with more visible clutter. During winter it is especially important to remove mucky boots outside and keep family gear hidden in a closet or trunk, where potential buyers won’t trip over them. A Swiffer-style mop kept in the coat closet can be used to quickly freshen entry floors before each showing.
- Give each room a warm touch. A folded throw draped over the back of an armchair, a plump quilt at the foot of the bed or an area rug in warm hues are a few small additions that will make a big difference in the way a room feels to prospective buyers. Also, be sure that every light is on — even for daytime showings. Winter days can be quite dim, and your house will look its best when it’s as warmly lit as possible.
If you are thinking about selling, give the Templeton Real Estate Group a call at 208.473.2203 for your complimentary and confidential consultation. We are a small yet highly skilled real estate team with decades of area expertise, service, property pricing, and negotiating. We are passionate about providing our clients with the best real estate experience available. We will sell your house fast and for more! The Templeton Real Estate Group is experienced and trained in preparing your home to maximize your net profit and appeal to more buyers. Whether it’s simply rearranging & decluttering your personal items or whole home staging, we’ll help you achieve the look that buyers DEMAND!
Source: