You have to live somewhere.

Here's the thing. You have to live somewhere. Even IF the market were to soften 10,000 or 15,000 for that home you'd really like in a year you have to consider some things.

1. Unless you've moved in with relatives or friends chances are you've spent more than that on rent in a year. (Not to mention possible pain and suffering of cramming in with relatives -- theirs and yours! What is that cost?).

2. In our area with average days on market before selling around the 100 day mark, the home you love is no longer available.

3. While you're waiting for a better time to buy, prices could rise instead of fall.

4.  While you're waiting for a better time to buy, interest rates could creep up, meaning you will end up spending more than you might be saving.

5.  While you're waiting for a better time to buy you might have to put off getting the pet your want, or having the child you want (if renting in strata properties with age/pet restrictions).

6. While you're waiting for a better time to buy you may switch jobs, making securing financing harder -- especially if switching to self employment.

7.  While you're waiting for a better time to buy you can't paint the colours you want or build the deck you want or hang the light fixtures you want.

8.  While you're waiting for a better time to buy you might have to pay for a storage locker for all your toys and miscellaneous items that don't fit into your rental or shared dwelling.

9. While you're waiting for a better time to buy you might be putting off hosting dinners or parties because you're not "settled."

10. While you're waiting for a better time to buy you could be putting the life you want on hold -- all to save some money -- in theory....in fact it may well cost you more.

11. As I write this one of my colleagues, Debbie, told me a story. She asked her buyer if the home was 15,000 less would he offer today? When he said yes, she said, "OK, then let's do it!" And, they wrote the offer for 15,000 under list and got the house!

Some of you have heard me say, there is never the perfect time to have a baby, get a dog or move. But you do have to live your life! And you do have to live somewhere!

Why list in the winter?

Those that know me have heard me say a great time to list is in the middle of winter. While this seems counter-intuitive (most people are listing and buying when the spring flowers are blooming) there is good reason. Simply put, that reason is supply and demand.

Currently I have several sets of buyers with nothing to show them that is of interest. December has seen many buyers in the Okanagan and precious little inventory. So many will list or re-list in the spring and completely miss qualified winter buyers. The demand is far greater than the supply.

You always want to stand out -- and you sure will if you come on when others are going off the market!

So, do call me for a market evaluation and we can see where you stack up in our marketplace. Another good thought if you are listing in the winter -- dig out those spring pictures. We'll put all season photos on line so that even if your land is covered in two feet of snow right now, buyers can see what it looks like in full bloom.

There is no "bad" time to sell. Granted it can be a chore keeping access and driveways clear and safe in the winter -- but it could be to your great financial advantage to make the effort.

If everyone floods the market in spring, suddenly there is more supply than demand and that will affect pricing.

Be different. Be bold.