If you're deciding on selling your home during the holidays, many might assume it's the wrong time of year to sell. However, selling during this time can be an advantage to the right seller. While there are fewer buyers, the ones who are out there tend to be the most motivated, and often they are on a tight time schedule. Be ready to close quickly, because motivated buyers may be looking to move soon.
Reasons to Sell Your Home During the Holidays
The holiday season is a busy and often chaotic time for many people, so the idea of selling your home may seem daunting. However, there are actually several advantages to listing your home for sale during the holidays.
One major advantage is that holiday buyers tend to be more motivated and serious about purchasing a home. Many people who are actively searching for a new home have specific reasons for doing so, such as job relocation or life changes. This means that they are less likely to waste time and more likely to make an offer if they find a home that meets their needs.
Additionally, there may be less competition in the market during the holiday season. Many sellers choose to wait until after the holidays to list their homes, which means there may be fewer homes for sale and more opportunity for your home to stand out.
Is December a Good Time to Sell a House?
December is typically regarded as a month with slower home selling activity, but it does present certain advantages and opportunities.
Market trends show that homes listed in December may sell faster and for higher prices compared to other months. This is because of factors such as low inventory and motivated buyers.
Preparing Your Home for Holiday Buyers
To make your home even more appealing to holiday buyers, consider incorporating festive touches into your home staging. However, it's important to strike a balance – while some holiday decor can add warmth and charm, too much can be overwhelming and distract from the features of your home.
Your Home Should Look Festive, and Feel Cozy
Holiday decorations can not only attract favorable notice, they can deflect attention from less desirable aspects of the house. A tree full of ornaments, or lights on a mantel, will pull the eye in that direction. Wrapped presents evoke feelings of happy times to be enjoyed in the home.
The Home Entry Must be Accessible
The outside must be clear of all wet leaves, snow, or ice. Be sure to check again just before any showings or open houses. The last thing you want is for someone to fall. However, a layer of snow, or outdoor lights, can be a plus that counteracts the loss of leafy trees or flowering plants.
Put Winter Outerwear in Closets
Put all winter gear away in the garage, closets, or basement. Don't let the trappings of winter weather make the home feel crowded or cluttered. However, a sled or some cross-country skis can remind buyers of the joys of outdoor exercise available nearby.
Declutter and Donate
The longer nights and colder weather may make it easier to concentrate on decluttering. Plus, if you didn't use something over the summer, it's a good time to throw it away. Take advantage of coat drives, food drives, or other chances to donate your gently used goods to someone who needs them more.
Play Holiday Music and Bake Cookies
Baking, with its delicious smells, can be a big asset. Remember, nothing captures the essence of the season quite like Bing Crosby's timeless tunes. So, dust off your holiday CD collection and fill your space with the cheerful melodies that bring joy to all who visit during this festive time. Just think-after your guests leave, you can enjoy the delicious baked goods you made and savor the great smells they left behind!
Navigating Holiday Schedules and Showings
One challenge of selling a home during the holidays is juggling showings with holiday events and potential winter weather. It's important to maintain flexibility and be available for showings at different times, including evenings and weekends.
Communicate with your real estate agent about any scheduling conflicts or limitations you may have during this time. They can work with you to create a showing schedule that fits your needs while still allowing potential buyers to see your home.
Closing Deals During the Holiday Season
The holiday season can also bring its own set of challenges when it comes to closing a real estate deal. It's important to be aware of potential delays, such as limited business hours for banks and title companies, and plan accordingly.
Work closely with your real estate agent and other professionals involved in the closing process to ensure a smooth and timely transaction. Be prepared for potential delays and have backup plans in place, such as being ready to sign documents electronically if needed.
Conclusion
Selling your home during the holidays may require some extra effort and flexibility, but it can also lead to great success. With motivated buyers, less competition, and unique marketing opportunities, the holiday season can be a surprisingly beneficial time to sell a house.
If you're considering selling your home during the holidays, make sure to work closely with a knowledgeable real estate agent who can guide you through the process and help you achieve your goals. For more resources and information on navigating the real estate market during the holidays, contact Pearce Real Estate!
