Best time to Sell tenant-occupied east Nashville House

[Ralph Noyes]

Have a tenant in there until October 31st. Several agents familiar with the area say that, contrary to general advice/trends, sales are constant year round (one even says that in that particular area, they're strongest November-January). I'm a little hesitant and waiting for some more clear data from them to back this up.

In regards to the tenant living there, do you think it would be best to have him out and THEN begin photographing, fixing, and showing the property? The agent we like seems to think that houses sell better with furniture in there, as long as the person is neat, doesn't have ridiculous style, and is willing to allow the agent to show it to buyers.

One of the other agents suggested we try to sign the tenant to a 6-month lease and sell it in late Spring/Early Summer.

Thoughts? Comments? Suggestions?

[Devan Mcclish]

Selling in winter is never a good time to sell. People who buy during that time are people who need to buy, not want to buy. Not saying it will not sell, just not the best time to sell it. 

Terrible idea to sell it while a tenant is there. There's a difference in staging and someone living there. The tenant does not care if you sell it or not. They will not be accommodating and scheduling showings is going to be a nightmare. Get them out, take time to fix it, then photograph it, then list it. 

6 month lease is a great idea if you can get it. Another option is to extend the current tenant's lease 6 months. Even if you offer a slight discount in the rent for this, you'll keep your expenses low by doing this (turnover, vacancy)