Wondering if you should to sell your home during the holidays? While putting your home on the market between holiday celebrations, school vacations, forced family fun, baking, shopping, gift giving might seem like miserable timing, since many buyers may not want to move their furniture and belongs during the holidays, but sellers could actually benefit by using this time strategically to show and possibly even sell their house.
Many home sellers take a holiday hiatus until the New Year—and that could mean that your house may suddenly become a hot commodity. Plus, if buyers are truly squeezing in home showings between shopping trips and holiday activities, you know they must be serious.
So if you’re ready to put up a “For Sale” sign under the cheery glow of your holiday lights, go right ahead! Here’s some advice on how to sell your home during the holidays.
- Deck Your Halls
Buyers want to picture themselves living in your home, so evoking some holiday spirit as you stage your house for showing is a great way to do that. A little mistletoe will likely help than hurt. You should be festive and decorate AFTER listing photos have been taken. The holidays are a time your home looks the best, so it will show better and likely net more. But don’t go overboard. You may normally have Buddy the Elf help you decorate, but less is more when your home is on the market during the holiday season.
- Throw a Holiday Party
You may have a to-do list a mile long, but consider making time to host a holiday party such as cookie decorating, tacky sweater party or Christmas cheer wine tasting. This can be a great way to showcase your home to family, friends and neighbors. Chances are at least one person at your party may be looking for a new home, or know someone who is in the market to buy.
- Give The Gift of Time
Give a bit more time than you might if you were selling at a different, less frantic time of year. It’s best you be prepared to be flexible with showings even when it’s not convenient for you, as not everyone celebrates the same holidays as you.
- Price It To Sell
Don’t overshoot with your asking price. Buyers who have the luxury of waiting until Spring to purchase will over look your home if the price seems too high. You need to be realistic about current market expectations. A Realtor can help you set a price that’s fair for you home and your neighborhood based on comps. Which leads to our final tip…
- Don’t DIY Your Home Sale
The “for sale by owner” route may be your strategy to save money, but a trusted real estate agent can take the stress of finding a focused buyer with a similar deadline you have in mind. Many people house hunting during the holiday are doing so because they’re on a tight deadline. An agent can target buyers who are eager to move ASAP, like those moving for a job or investors looking to buy a property before the tax year ends.
Craig Carver and his team can help you decide if putting your house on the market this holiday season is the right time. Call 281-482-9444 for your free home evaluation.
Content by Amber Miessner, Accredited Staging Professional and Stephanie Booth- Realtor.