• Gary Sandler
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    Published 21 October 2018

    Most people are aware that the spring and summer months are considered “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 in Las Cruces. Warm weather, summer vacation and income tax refunds combine to make a great time for buyers and sellers to make their moves.

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

    During winter 2017, which fell between Dec, 21, 2016 and March 20, 2017, the 341 successful sales of new and used Las Cruces-area homes, townhomes and condominiums accounted for 18.4 percent of the year’s total number of closings. Sales improved over the March 21 to June 20 spring selling season, when the 507 closed sales booked during the period made up 27.4 percent of annual production.

    The 512 sales closed during the June 21 to Sept. 20 summer time frame represented 27.7 percent of the annual total. The remaining 26.5 percent of 2017 sales took place over the Sept. 23 to Dec. 20 fall window, when 491 new and used homes changed hands.

    If you haven’t already done the math, here’s what the totals look like: The 1,019 spring and summer closings accounted for 54.5 percent of the 1,851 homes sold. On the winter/fall flip-side, 45.5 percent of annual sales were booked. Overall, Las Cruces-area sales remained steady throughout three quarters of the year.

    Even though the numbers are a bit leaner between December and March, 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 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 winter weather causes 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 can be reached at 575-642-2292 or Gary@GarySandler.com

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      Gary Sandler