Many home sellers assume that the winter holiday season is a bad time to be on the market. They wonder, who is going to be driving around viewing houses in unpleasant weather? Some sellers don’t want the interruptions of getting their home ready for showings while the family is having a break from work and school. Others even take their home off the market for a month or more because of these reasons. The fact is, if you’re anxious to move or really need to move, you may have more opportunity during the holiday season than you realize. Follow these tips and rationale to make the season work for your sale.
Reasons Why Homes Are Sold Year-Round, Including Holidays
1. Relocation and international buyers. Mobility of American families increases each year. Jobs that depend on technology often shift to new regions. Companies move key employees any time of year, often offering some kind of relocation package where they help sell an employee’s current home and buy a new one. When someone arrives in a new city with family in tow, more often than not, they want to get settled in a home whether it’s sunny or snowing. And the improvement of the American real estate market has also drawn an increase in international buyers. They often don’t observe the same calendar of holiday events and are ready to buy at any time. Make sure your Realtor® maximizes exposure to these types of buyers.
2. More serious buyers continue looking during the winter holidays. While it’s true that you’re likely to see fewer house hunters during the holidays, the ones who will come through your home are more serious shoppers. They don’t let weather or time of year deter their search. Many of them may have some kind of deadline to find a home.
3. A low inventory season can make your home more attractive. Because fewer people list their homes during the winter holidays, there is less inventory of homes from which the more serious buyers can choose. That means less competition for you as a seller. You may actually receive a quicker or better offer in a low inventory situation than you would have if your home was one of hundreds more for sale in the spring.
4. As foot traffic decreases, internet traffic increases. There’s a surge in internet traffic for homes when people are in the comfort of their warm homes during the holidays. Buyers are more willing to whittle down their choices from their computers during the winter rather than see a high volume of homes in person. If yours makes the cut, then it’s likely your home has been studied well online. To get your home discovered by these dedicated internet searchers, you must have your home on the market with a strong online presence.
How to Show Off Your Home During the Holidays
1. Make your home a cozy haven. If it’s cold outside, ensure your home offers a warm welcome when buyers come in from the elements. Keep your heat at a comfortably warm setting. This is not time to keep the thermostat low and wear thick sweaters. Use plush throws and decorative pillows on furniture. Let in plenty of natural light to avoid the winter blahs.
2. Show off your holiday spirt, though with some restraint. Holiday decorating can be a wonderful way to bring cheer and beauty to your home. Use it to create a tasteful and inviting celebration of your living space. But don’t go overboard. A cluttered approach will make the house feel messy or smaller than it really is. Most buyers aren’t turned off by a reasonable layer of holiday décor. Even if they don’t agree with your decorating taste, it’s often one of the easier things in a showing to overcome. And if you’re debating about a real tree or artificial, you may want to choose the latter when your home is on the market. Cleaning up pine needles will be one less job on your list.
3. Create curb appeal. The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior. It’s the buyer’s first impression. Use a colorful seasonal item on your front door. Rake up fallen leaves. Clear out any withered plants or empty pots left over from summer. Keep driveways and walkways shoveled and clear of ice at all times. If you’re using exterior holiday lights, keep them on for showings.
4. Take great photography of your home. Because of the surge of internet searches (point 4 above), great photos of both the exterior and interior of your home are more important than ever. While your Realtor® is probably in charge of this task, make sure he or she delivers with well-lit photos that emphasize space and unique features. And if you have photos of your house in other seasons showing off blooming trees and gardens, by all means, give them to your agent to post online with your listing. Buyers can be encouraged by seeing the potential of a home in warmer seasons.
5. Limited showing times during the holidays is an option. While it’s best to remain as flexible as possible when it comes to showings, buyers tend to be more understanding about restricted hours and blackout dates during the holidays. Be sure that your hours aren’t too restrictive overall and lift the restrictions as soon as is reasonable.
Of course, pricing your home right for your market is critical at any time of year. Make sure that you’re priced within range of recently sold comparable homes. Selling your home during the holidays can be a well-managed and less stressful goal when you take these tips into account. Work with your Realtor® to agree on a process that works for both of you. Because of your diligence and willingness to sell your home during the holidays, you could very well reach that serious buyer who is already packed and ready to purchase.