10 Tips for Selling Your Home During the Holidays:
Attract Homebuyers This Season
Life often takes unexpected turns, and sometimes unforeseen
events can lead us to list our homes for sale during the holiday season. Maybe
you’ve decided to downsize or a career shift is moving you to a different city,
Whatever the reason, you’re ready to sell. Believe it or not, the holiday
season can be a great time to sell your home. While it’s true that the housing
market typically heats up during the spring, the holidays are often overlooked
as a prime time to sell.
Why? First of all, there is typically less inventory in
the housing market this time of year,
allowing your home to easily stand out among the available inventory. And
though there are technically fewer buyers overall, the homebuyers that are
looking are far more serious about finding a home within a specific timeframe.
So, make your home warm and inviting and open it up to those looking to buy,
because selling your home during the holidays might be your best present this
year.
1) Stage for the holidays: clean, cozy, simple
Yes, you should absolutely decorate your home during the
holidays even if you are trying to sell it. The real question you should be
asking is, how much?
As homeowners, we often accumulate a lot of stuff,
especially holiday decorations. When decorating to sell during the holidays,
use your best ornaments as accents without overshadowing your home’s selling
features. Highlight what initially drew you to your home – that’s what will
likely attract buyers. Avoid overwhelming spaces with large Christmas trees or
excessive decor. You want to accentuate your home with holiday decor, not bury
it.
Holiday decor can help prospective homebuyers imagine your
house as their future home. Decorate your fireplace with garland and stockings,
and use seasonal scents like balsam and cedar. Maintain a comfortable and warm
environment to make prospective buyers feel at home by keeping your home
clutter-free and regularly cleaned. Consider hiring a professional home stager
to create a standout holiday look and set your home apart from the competition.
2) Price your home to sell
You and your listing agent will most likely come up with a
pricing strategy together based on comparable homes in the area, the state of the current housing
market, and what the demand for housing looks like or is projected to do.
Competitive pricing is key. If your home shares common
features with others on the block, opting for a lower price point will
definitely draw in more traffic than your rivals. However, if your home is the
largest one on the block, has more acreage, or a double car garage and pool,
you can price your home based on the increased value it provides. Check out
online estimates for how
much your home is worth and then compare them to other houses
in your area.
3) Make your curb appeal a top priority
Your neighborhood may actually look more appealing to
homebuyers during the holiday season. You don’t want to go overboard with your
exterior holiday decorations, but you want to make your house shine along with
the other homes on your block.
In the winter, your lawn may lack the lush green of summer,
and trees might be bare. That’s why prioritizing curb appeal becomes essential
when selling your home in colder months. Clear away sticks, dead leaves, and
debris, and keep your lawn neatly trimmed. Even during winter, a few weeds can
give the impression of neglect. If you have pictures showcasing your home in
different seasons with vibrant flora, consider making them available during
home tours. This allows buyers to witness the appeal of your property in
various seasons rather than relying on imagination.
4) Keeping your property safe for homebuyers
The holiday season often brings frigid temperatures to many
parts of the United States. Snow and ice cover driveways and pathways, while
icicles dangle from gutters like glass curtains. For home sellers in colder
climates, ensuring the safety of their property for potential buyers is a valid
concern. The key is to be proactive—grab that snow shovel and start clearing a
path.
If you anticipate frequent snowfall, considering
professional services to clear your driveway, front steps, and walking paths
daily might be the best approach to keep your home safe and accessible for
those touring it.
5) Take professional real estate photos when selling your
home during the holidays
For effective marketing to potential homebuyers, invest in
professional real estate photos – a proven strategy that can expedite the sale
of your house can help sell your house faster and for
more money. This is the one time you don’t want to have your holiday
decor on display. In fact, getting your professional photos taken of your house
before you decorate is a must because holiday decorations essentially create a
time-stamp of your home.
To avoid potential setbacks, ensure your listing photos
don’t feature lingering holiday lights come February or March. Hire a
professional photographer promptly to get your listing photos done so you can
showcase your decorated home for the holidays while preserving the timeless
appeal of your property in the listing.
6) Get Santa’s perspective with aerial photography
It doesn’t matter where you live. You should consider aerial photography to
help make your home stand out this holiday season. If your home has acreage, a
view, or any other amenity that cannot be fully captured unless it’s done by
air, then aerial photography may be just what you need.
Drone photography offers buyers a unique perspective of your
home and can help make your listing stand out among the other homes for sale
online. It also gives potential buyers an overview of your neighborhood along
with other amenities that may be within walking distance of your home.
7) Showcase your home’s winter charm to attract buyers
As the temperatures decline, specific aspects of your home
gain increased allure. Drawing attention to these aspects can set your property
apart for buyers seeking a warm and inviting winter retreat.
If your home boasts a fireplace, consider making it a focal
point during showings by lighting it, or showcase a photo capturing its warm
ambiance in your listing. Emphasize the comfort and energy efficiency it
offers, creating an inviting atmosphere for winter. Draw attention to any
upgrades that contribute to warmth, such as double-paned windows, modern
insulation, or an efficient heating system, not only ensuring comfort but also
potential savings on energy bills.
Additionally, if your property features evergreen trees or
plants that flourish in the snow, showcase them with some outdoor lighting to
accentuate a picturesque winter landscape, appealing to those who appreciate
the beauty of the season. These winter-centric elements can make your home
stand out, attracting buyers looking for a cozy and welcoming retreat during
the colder months.
8) Turn on the (holiday) lights
To complement the coziness of your home, you’ll also want to
make it bright. Turn on all the lights in your house during open houses and
virtual home tours. It may be the darkest time of year outside but you can make
sure it doesn’t feel that way inside your home.
This is a great time to replace burnt out light bulbs and
fix light switches that aren’t working. Consider unifying the color temperature
of all interior lighting, opting for a soft white hue that brightens rooms
without giving you that institutional feel. This will help with consistent
lighting throughout your home, creating a balanced feel as potential homebuyers
walk through each room.
9) Flexibility is key
During the holiday season, adaptability is crucial to cater
to potential buyers with busy schedules. To enhance the chances of a swift home
sale, consider implementing the following strategies:
Extended showing hours and weekend availability
With the days growing shorter and holiday activities often
extending into the evenings, think about stretching your showing hours.
Allowing potential buyers to view your home later in the evening or earlier in
the morning accommodates their schedules and increases the likelihood of
attracting serious buyers. In addition, ensure your home is available for
viewings on weekends to cater to those who may be occupied with work during the
week. Or, have your agent hold an open house during the weekend, providing a
convenient opportunity for interested buyers to explore your property.
Option to tour virtually
Recognizing the busy nature of the season and potential
travel restrictions, offering virtual tours can be a game-changer. High-quality
virtual tours enable buyers to explore your home remotely, streamlining the
initial screening process and making it more convenient for them.
10) Offer enticing incentives for potential buyers
Embrace the spirit of giving during the holidays by
providing unique incentives that can significantly enhance the appeal of your
home, particularly for discerning buyers. These festive bonuses have the
potential to tip the scales for individuals who may be indecisive about making
an offer on your property.
Cover a portion of the closing costs
Ease the financial burden for potential buyers by covering a
portion of the closing costs. This incentive reduces the upfront payment,
providing significant relief during the holiday season when house hunters may
face additional financial strain.
Offer a home warranty
Offer a one-year home warranty to instill confidence in
buyers. This assurance guarantees protection from hefty repair bills for major
systems or appliances that may encounter issues shortly after purchase. Some
warranty companies even extend coverage to sellers before the home sale.
Be flexible on closing dates
Recognize the hustle and bustle of the holidays by offering
flexibility on the closing date. Be prepared to work with the buyer’s timeline,
whether they prefer a swift closure or to wait until after the New Year. Keep
in mind the bank holidays between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, adjusting
schedules accordingly to navigate closures of banks and attorney offices.
Selling your home during the holidays: final thoughts
As you navigate the process of selling your
home during the holiday season, remember that attention to
detail and strategic planning can make a significant difference. From creating
a warm and inviting atmosphere to showcasing your property through professional
photography and considering unique angles with aerial shots, every effort
contributes to making your home stand out in the market. Keep in mind the
importance of maintaining safety during winter months, ensuring well-lit
interiors, and presenting your home in its best light. With thoughtful
preparation, you can not only attract potential buyers but also create a
lasting impression that makes your home memorable and desirable during this
festive time of year.
