Expert Tips for Selling Your Home During the Holidays
With bright, colorful decorations on every corner and calendars filled with family get-togethers and festive traditions, there’s a magical feeling in the air that can only be experienced during the holidays. But with so much to do this time of year, the thought of putting your house on the market right now may seem less than ideal.
If you’re considering selling your home, rest assured that now is a great time to do it — offering exciting benefits like eager buyers with tight deadlines and fewer properties on the market. Continue reading to discover some of our best tips for selling your home during the holidays.
Why Now Is a Great Time to Sell Your Home
It’s the most wonderful time of the year — to sell a house, that is! Let’s take a closer look at some of the top reasons to consider selling your home during the holidays.
Winter Buyers Are More Serious
Many people attend open houses or look at properties throughout the year without a clear plan to buy. However, if someone takes the time to schedule a showing during the hectic holiday season, they likely have more serious intentions about purchasing.
Timing is everything in the real estate industry — and the end of the year is a standard time for people to learn they’ll be relocating for a job. These buyers will need a home sooner rather than later, forcing them to look for one at a time when others typically aren’t. Putting your house on the market now and attracting serious buyers with strict deadlines will often lead to a quicker sale.
Less Competition From Other Sellers
Many sellers delay listing their homes until the spring or summer to avoid putting them on the market during the holidays. While having fewer homes on the market isn’t ideal for potential buyers, this is excellent news for a seller. Overall, less inventory and competition means that homebuyers will have a limited range of houses to choose from. This will allow your listing to gain more attention and enable you to request a higher price for your property. Play your cards right, and you just might be able to sell your home faster (and for more money!) than you would in the spring.
More Time for House-Hunting
While the holidays can be hectic for many, they often leave others with more time on their hands. Breaks from school or time off work make it easier for potential buyers to browse listings and attend holiday-themed open houses. In general, the more people who can view your home, the greater chance you’ll have of selling it quickly.
Staging Tips for Selling Your Home During the Holidays
Curious how to effectively sell your home during the holidays? Here are some tips to help you get started.
1. Decorate Your Home for the Holidays
Don’t underestimate the power of filling your home with holiday cheer! Decorating for the holidays while your home is on the market will give your space a festive feel that is attractive to potential buyers. According to one of our agents at The Redbud Group, “Buyer traffic is still high during the holidays, so this is a great way to grab their attention!”
Although staging your home may seem tedious and costly, there are many simple yet elegant ways to decorate your space for the holidays. For an elegant touch, incorporate beautiful hues inspired by evergreen trees, tart berries, and sugar plums throughout your decor. To set a festive mood, hang stockings from your mantle, decorate your tree with warm white lights and champagne-colored ornaments, and place a festive centerpiece on your dining room table.
2. Keep Decorations Simple and Classy
When it comes to decorating your home for the holidays, less is more. While it can be easy to get carried away with decorations, the main focal point should always be your home. For example, many homes often feel crowded when a Christmas tree is added, so consider removing furniture as needed.
By keeping your decor simple and classy, you will be able to minimize distractions while also helping your home feel more spacious. When a potential buyer visits your home, you want them to be able to imagine it being their own — and they can’t do this if your holiday decorations are dominating the space.
Related: How to Declutter Your Home to Sell
3. Enhance Your Curb Appeal
When selling your home, first impressions are everything. While many homeowners focus all their time and effort on staging the inside of their house, the exterior is equally important. During the cold winter months, your lawn may not be as lush or eye-catching as it typically is in the summertime. To help spruce up your front yard, be sure to rake away any leaves, spread new mulch, and plant seasonal flowers. When it comes to boosting curb appeal, these simple steps can go a long way!
Bright and colorful decorations outside your home can also significantly enhance your home’s appearance. A luscious lawn paired with a festive doormat, twinkling holiday lights, and a beautiful wreath on your door are just a few ways to make your home stand out. From the moment potential buyers drive up to your yard, they will instantly be drawn to your home’s winter-wonderland curb appeal.
4. Make Your Space Feel Warm and Cozy
Emotion is a major driving factor for purchases and decision-making — and this is especially true when it comes to buying a home. The holidays are a time for gathering around fireplaces, sipping hot chocolate, and spending time with those who matter most. By creating a space that makes prospective homebuyers feel comfortable and warm, they’ll be able to see themselves living there from the moment they walk through your front door.
One way to accomplish this is by having a well-scented home. By burning a Frasier-fir scented candle and utilizing natural greenery throughout your decor, you can turn your home into a warm and welcoming retreat they won’t want to leave.
Sell Your Home With The Redbud Group This Season
Overall, selling your home during the holidays offers less competition and more serious buyers, which can result in a quicker sales process. It also presents a unique opportunity to create a warm, cozy, and welcoming atmosphere that can only be experienced during the holidays.
In addition to utilizing these tips for selling your home during the holiday season, it is also essential to find an experienced real estate agent you trust to help sell your property. Contact a Redbud Group REALTORS® to learn more about how we can help you through the entire selling process.