Selling Your Home During the Holidays: Pros, Cons & Tips

How to stage, price, and market a home during the festive season

November through January is considered the slow season in real estate. But while homeowners may experience challenges selling during the holidays, closing escrow isn’t impossible. The off-peak winter market could be to a homeowner’s advantage. With less seller competition, a steady stream of relocating buyers in some cities, and the potential to attract people with festive decor, a holiday home sale could be right around the corner for you.

There are several factors that contribute to a successful holiday home sale. Making the extra effort to declutter, clean, and stage a property for the season is critical. Consulting professionals to stage photograph properly, and list the home is just as essential. Being flexible with showings helps bring in buyers during the busy holiday months.

Below are some pros and cons to consider before listing your home during the holidays. From fun and festive staging opportunities that attract buyers to a traditionally solid pool of motivated home shoppers, there’s plenty to anticipate in this off-market. Yet, homeowners should beware of pitfalls in readying and listing a property during the winter months, including the potential for transactional delays and turning off buyers with over-the-top decor.

And, a guide to selling a home during the holidays wouldn’t be complete without strategic tips for tapping into the season’s potential. So, take notes on the following steps that will hopefully bring you to a quick close this winter.

Pros of Selling a Home During the Holidays

The winter months provide many opportunities to make your home inviting and to attract buyers. Homeowners who list during the holidays also often enjoy more dedicated service from professionals who have extra time. Here are some pros for selling a home over the holiday season.

Less competition – There aren’t as many homes on the market during the holidays, which may mean that your listing will stand out.

Motivated buyers – People who move during the holidays frequently have no other choice than to move at that time, such as relocating buyers. These are typically ultra-serious searchers who make quick and competitive offers.

Emotional appeal – Creating a festive atmosphere with holiday decorations can have a strong emotional influence on buyers as they envision themselves enjoying the cozy winter season in your home.

Opportunity to show winter-ready features – Does your home have a fireplace, screened porch, or energy-efficient heater? Play up this part of your property and market the feature as a key component of a buyer’s dream home.

Potential for faster sales – More motivated buyers could mean that a transaction goes more smoothly and a deal closes more quickly.

Increased personal attention – The slow season in real estate might provide you with the undivided attention of mortgage brokers, escrow officers, and other professionals involved in your sale.

Cons of Selling a Home During the Holidays

Fewer buyers – Buyers tend to be serious during the holiday seasons, but the pool of potential purchasers is smaller than spring or summer.

Logistical challenges – Keeping a home clean and decluttered for showings during the holidays can be challenging. Making your home available when it’s convenient for buyers is also sometimes difficult during busy winter months.

Potential for delays – Many banks and county offices — essential service providers for real estate transactions — take days off during the holidays, potentially slowing down a deal.

Curb appeal problems – Snow, fallen leaves, cloudy weather, drizzle, and downpours during winter all carry the possibility of making landscaping look less vibrant and downright ruining curb appeal.

Potential to overdo holiday decor – If you choose to sell your home during the holidays, you may have to wait until next year to put out all your favorite decor and ornaments. The potential for cluttering up your interior and turning buyers off with an overabundance of festive embellishments is real.

Tips for a Successful Holiday Home Sale

Follow the tips below to set the perfect stage for creating a holiday look that’ll attract buyers and bring in offers.

Hire a reliable real estate agent – Choose an agent who can be available and responsive during a busy holiday season.

Stage tastefully – Select holiday decor that’s festive but understated, such as simple wreaths, elegant garlands, and minimalist centerpieces.

Focus on creating a cozy atmosphere – Light the fireplace, keep the temperature comfortable, and embrace warm and inviting scents like cinnamon and pine for candles and reed diffusers.

Take professional photos – High-quality photos attract buyers, who largely get a first impression of a home online. Ensure your photographer has ways to highlight the best features of your property amid potential inclement weather and low daylight situations.

Price to sell – Price your home competitively and realistically to attract buyers.

Be flexible with showings – Offer showing times that are convenient to busy buyers, such as weekend, lunchtime, and evening appointments.

Boost curb appeal – Keep your home’s exterior clean and decluttered, decorating tastefully and sparingly for the holidays.

Keep your interior decluttered – Homes can look too busy and chaotic during the holidays, so aim for a clean and simple look for furnishings and decorations.

Stage for the holidays – Consider hiring a professional stager to dress your home in simple holiday decor to attract the most buyers.

Are you looking to sell or buy a new home? Let Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate® walk you through the process.

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