NCJAR News
The real estate market naturally slows down from December through February—partly because of the holidays and partly thanks to chilly weather. But according to the National Association of REALTORS®, winter sellers actually have some unique advantages.
Many winter buyers are shopping with urgency, often due to job relocations, growing families, or other time-sensitive needs. And with fewer homes on the market, sellers face less competition and may enjoy stronger negotiating power.
If you’re planning to list this winter, here are expert-backed ways to make your home stand out and shine—even on the frostiest days.
1. Boost Your Winter Curb Appeal
First impressions matter year-round. Clear leaves, branches, and debris. Make your entrance welcoming with potted topiaries, a winter-friendly wreath, and a fresh doormat. A tidy exterior tells buyers your home has been well cared for.
2. Prioritize Safety Outside
As we head into the Thanksgiving season, NCJAR President-Elect and Trustee Carolyn Bardach shares a warm message of gratitude and a powerful recap of key insights from NAR NXT 2025 in Houston.
This year’s conference highlighted major shifts within our national association, focusing on member value, transparency, and the future of the REALTOR® brand. NAR President Kevin Sears and CEO Nykia Wright introduced a bold three-year strategic plan designed to modernize operations, strengthen trust, and reaffirm NAR’s commitment to its members. A significant part of that effort includes the release of NAR’s first-ever Annual Report in early 2026, giving REALTORS® a clearer view into how dues are invested and how the association is evolving.
NAR’s message was clear:
It’s time to move from “back to basics” to “back to business.”
In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, NCJAR Morristown office will operate on the following schedule:
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Wednesday, November 26 – Office will close at 12:00 PM
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Thursday, November 27 – Office closed all day
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Friday, November 28 – Office closed all day
We will resume normal business hours on Monday, December 1.
If you need assistance while our offices are closed, many services and resources are still available to you online at ncjar.com.
We wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
If you’ve just secured a listing—or are ready to up your listing game—check out the NAR Young Professionals Network (YPN)’s “How to Properly List a Home: A Checklist for Real Estate Agents” article by Matt Clements.
1. Know Who’s Involved — Before the Appointment
One of the first steps Matt highlights is making sure you know who is involved in the transaction: the handyman, housekeeper, home inspector, termite inspector, etc.
Why this matters for NCJAR agents:
- Building a trusted vendor list (handyman, cleaner, inspector) in our area gives you a competitive edge.
- Helps you set expectations early with your seller: “Here’s who we will bring in and when.”
- Demonstrates professionalism and saves headaches later.
