Selling Your Home During the Holidays? Here’s What You Need to Know

The holidays can be one of the busiest times of the year. If you’re thinking about listing your home, you may be wondering whether you want to add to the hectic holidays or simply wait till after the new year.

There’s nothing wrong with listing during the holidays. In fact, you might gain an advantage because potential buyers may have taken some time off of work and have fewer job distractions to draw their attention from their home search. Even more likely, you could face less competition from other homes, making for a quick sale.

Here are some things to keep in mind if you decide to list during the holidays:

Deck the halls, in moderation. There’s nothing wrong with making your home seem inviting with some tasteful holiday decorating. Just be careful not to go so overboard that you distract buyers from seeing your house. Large interior decorations can also make your home appear to have less space than it actually does. Consider opting for primarily season decorations rather than religious ones to avoid offending potential buyers.

Rely on your real estate agent. As your agent, I am going to represent you for the duration of the transaction. That includes Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s. Know that you can rely on me, even over the holidays.  Will work with you and not disappear simply because it’s a holiday. That should help to reduce your stress so you can better enjoy the season.

As always, price it right. This is important advise, no matter the season. As your agent, I can provide you with an estimate of what your home is likely to sell for when it goes on the market. A lot of data goes into arriving at that figure. It’s always best to price your home right from the start rather than having to make small price reductions over time.  You’re almost certain to sell at a higher price when doing so.

Make curb appeal a top priority. Sometimes summer’s sun can take a toll on plants, outdoor furniture and patio décor. Freshen up your home’s curb appeal by ensuring all your outdoor plants look their best. Replace or clean outdoor cushions and be sure your home’s exterior is clean.

Be ready for motivated buyers. Those searching for a new home during the holidays are probably quite serious about moving. They may be in the midst of a job change, need to buy before the end of the tax year or want to have the holiday break to move their children to new schools. Try to make your home available as much as possible to accommodate potential buyers’ needs.

Relax, it’s almost a new year. Most of us would like to say farewell to 2021. The entire year has been more stressful than usual for most, and the holidays can add to the burden, with gift buying, food and family. Try not to get too stressed about listing your home, as it will just add to you worries. If you have learned the value of your home and price it right, and make sure it is available for buyers to see, you should have nothing to worry about.