How to Sell Your Home During the Holidays

People are often reluctant to put their homes on the market leading up to the holiday season, despite the definite benefits to doing so. Two big advantages to having your home on the market during the holiday season are that buyers are more serious and that there is less competition. Plus, many potential buyers have time off of work and are able to spend time looking at houses. Sellers can be very successful in selling their homes this time of year, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Tasteful decorations are a good thing. Homes tend to look warm & cozy when they’re decorated for the holidays, and it’s something that people get excited about. We would recommend that your decorations are geared towards winter vs. a specific holiday / religion.
2. Keep the home warm – literally. It’s cold outside – people want to be warm when they’re inside. Crank up your heat to make your home feel comfortable & inviting.
3. Maintain curb appeal. Fall is winding down, which can mean that the ground is covered in leaves. Ensure that the yard is raked and that gutters are leaf-free. Also, ensure that any ice or snow is thoroughly cleared in the driveway & walkway.
4. Splurge on photos & a virtual tour. Most people search for their homes online, particularly during the winter when it’s cold & snowy, and people prefer to search from the comfort of their own homes. This is why high quality photos are important – this may be the only way potential buyers plan to view your home prior to setting up an appointment. You don’t want them to rule it out due to unflattering photos.
5. Don’t ask for more than the home is actually worth. This is true all year round. Potential buyers will be put off by a home that they know is overpriced, and nobody benefits from the inevitable price drops along the way. If a buyer knows the home is overpriced, they won’t bother coming to see it.

Thinking about putting your home on the market soon? Feel free to give us a call to discuss the market, your home, and anything else that’s on your mind. We would love to hear from you.