10 Tips for Selling Your Home During the Holidays

Attract homebuyers during the holidays with these tips.

When most people think about the holidays, they think about family gatherings, turkey dinners, and gift-giving.  Selling their home during the holidays isn't something they usually imagine.  No one sells their home during this time of the year ... Right?  Wrong!

In fact, selling your home during the holidays has its advantages. Since fewer homes are on the market, there is less competition.  And home buyers are usually more serious and ready to buy.

How do you make the most of this selling season?  Here are ten tips to get you started.

1. Deck the Halls
   When selling your home during the holidays, you absolutely should deck the halls to help your home feel festive. However, avoid any religious decorations and be careful to not go overboard. A few classic pieces can go a long way towards bringing the holiday spirit to your home.
2. Look for Motivated Buyers 
   If someone is trying to move during the holidays, it is very likely that they have a big reason for doing so. Look for buyers on a deadline, such as someone relocating for a job, as they will be more motivated to buy quickly.
3. Host a Holiday Open House
   At the open house, bring a few holiday touches to the event. Serve freshly baked cookies alongside hot cider and cocoa. Play holiday ambient music to set the mood.
4. Price to Sell
   Negotiations can take a lot of time. Instead of pricing your home high and gradually making small price reductions, during the holiday season it is better to price your home to sell.
5. Prioritize Online Marketing
   When the weather outside is frightful, potential buyers rely on online home listings more than ever. Make sure your listings are filled with high-quality pictures and an online video tour to pique their interest.
6. Clean Up the Exterior
   Bare tree branches give potential buyers a much clearer view of your home's exterior. Pay attention to every detail so the exterior looks perfect. Clean the leaves out of the yard and gutters. Touch up paint on the siding, doors, and trim. Keep the walkways clear of ice and snow.
7. Keep Your Schedule Open
   You never know when an interested buyer might want to come to look at your home. While you should set aside time to spend with your family on Thanksgiving and Christmas, try to keep as many days clear on your calendar as possible to make scheduling showings easier.
8. Tidy the Inside Again and Again
   Tracking in mud and snow can make a clean house look dirty in seconds. Vacuum, sweep, and mop regularly to keep the house looking spotless for any impromptu showings that may come up.
9. Make Your Home Cozy
   When stepping inside from the frigid cold, you want potential buyers to immediately feel cozy and "at home". Turn up the heat to keep them warm. Turn on the lights to make the house bright and cheery.
10. Hire a Dependable Real Estate Agent
    The right real estate agent to help you with selling your home is important at any time of the year. But during the holiday season, you really want someone who is dependable and will be present when you need them the most.

Although selling a house during the holiday season will definitely keep you busy, don't forget to take the time to enjoy the season too.

• Simple Daily Habits to Maintain a Cleaner Home
• Don't Let Winter Win: How to Freeze-Proof Your Garage
• How to Extend the Life of Your Water Heater
• Winterproofing Windows and Doors: A Guide to Keeping the Cold Out
• How to Future-Proof Your Home for Changing Needs
• Home Happiness 101: Small Upgrades That Can Make Every Day Feel Better
• Fall Cleaning Tips For Decluttering Before the Holidays
• How to Create a Cozy Fall Retreat in Your Backyard
• Why Fall is Prime Time for Window Replacement
• Tips for Transitioning Your Closet From Summer to Fall

• Why September Is the Best Month to Paint Your Home's Exterior
• End-of-Summer Pool Closing Tips

• What to Know About Using Gifted Funds for a Down Payment
• What to Know About Using Gifted Funds for a Down Payment
• How to Research Crime and Safety
• What Buyers Need to Know About Home Warranties
• Browsing for Homes Online? Follow These Shopping Tips
• How to Look Past Bad Staging
• What Happens If Interest Rates Change After You Buy?
• How to Compare Two Homes You Love
• Post-Holiday Finances: How to Reset Your Budget for Home Buying
• New Year, New Home: How to Set Smart Home-Buying Goals for the Year Ahead

• Looking Beyond Closets: How to Evaluate a Home's Storage Potential
• Time-Off Tips: Using Your Holiday Break for Real Estate Decision-Making

• What Buyers Notice First in Listing Photos
• How Spring Sellers Can Enter The Market With Confidence
• Tax Considerations Home Sellers Should Know About
• The One-Room-at-a-Time Spring Prep Strategy
• What's the Difference Between Listing a Home and Marketing It?
• How to Respond to Buyer Feedback Without Panicking
• Transparency Builds Trust: Why Honesty Sells Homes Faster
• Winter Selling Myths That Shouldn't Keep You From Listing
• The Value of Local Market Knowledge When Selling Your Home
• Selling in Snowy Conditions: Safety, Access, and Presentation Tips

• Making Your Home Smell Like Home: Winter Scents That Attract Buyers
• Handling Relocation Buyers During the Holidays