• Gary Sandler
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    Published 29 November 2020

    Most people are aware that the spring and summer months are considered the “high season” for real estate sales. In most areas of the country, sales begin trending upward in April and May and remain brisk well into the summer months. The scenario isn’t much different here in Las Cruces. Warm weather, summer vacation and income tax refunds combine to make a great time for buyers and sellers to literally make their moves.

    What about the winter months? Do sales take a significant dip in the “off-season?” According to statistics pulled from the Las Cruces Association of Realtors on November 24, the answer is yes — but not much. Take last year for example.

    During the winter of 2018-2019, which fell between Dec. 21, 2018, and March 19, 2019, the 444 successful sales of new and used Las Cruces area homes, townhomes and condominiums accounted for 20.2 percent of the year’s 2,204 closings. Sales improved over the March 20 to June 20 spring selling season, when the 598 closed sales booked during the period made up 27.1 percent of our annual production.

    The 606 sales closed during the June 21 to Sept. 21 timeframe represented 27.5 percent of our annual total. The remaining 24.2 percent of our annual sales took place over the Sept. 22 to Dec. 21 fall window, when 521, or 25.2 percent, of our inventory changed hands.

    If you haven’t already done the math, here’s what the totals look like: The 1,204 spring and summer closings accounted for 54.6 percent of the 2,204 homes sold over the 12-month period. On the winter/fall flip side, 45.4 percent, or 1,000, of our annual sales were booked. Even though the numbers are a bit leaner during the fall and winter seasons, buying and selling during those months has its benefits.

    Buyers can benefit from lower prices, less competition, motivated sellers, favorable mortgage terms and the possibility of taking a tax deduction for interest and fees paid on closings that take place before the end of the year. Sellers can also benefit during the winter months. Less competition from other sellers, fewer but more serious local buyers, an influx of snowbirds and lower interest rates often combine to bring about an impressive number of successful sales.

    So, does it really matter whether you buy or sell during the “on” or “off” seasons? Not really. Unlike other areas of the country, where fall and winter weather can cause a significant dip in sales, Las Cruces enjoys a steady stream of buyers and sellers year-round.

    From a real estate perspective, Las Cruces-area residents are fortunate to live in a market that’s conducive to success no matter when they choose to buy or sell.

    See you at closing!

    Gary Sandler is a full-time Realtor and president of Gary Sandler Inc., Realtors in Las Cruces. He loves to answer questions and can be reached at 575-642-2292 or Gary@GarySandler.com.

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      Gary Sandler