Preparing to Sell During the Holidays

The holiday season can be a great time to sell your home and is often overlooked.  According to data published by the National Association of REALTORS®, the average existing time for a home on the market this holiday season is still 13 days faster than last year.  Holiday homebuyers are far more serious about finding a home within a specific timeframe. Folks on a deadline could include a family relocating for a job, investors on tax deadlines, college students and staff, or military personnel if you live near a military base.

Deck the halls (but don’t go overboard)

Homes often look their best during the holidays. However, less is more is the way to go when listing during the holidays.  Adornments that are too large or too many can crowd your home and distract buyers. 

Mind the tree. A tall Christmas tree can help you show off a two-story great room, but make sure the broad base won’t overwhelm the floor space. If your living area is on the small side, save space with a skinny tree. Keep the heirloom ornaments packed away and trim your tree with a minimalist theme.  Make sure that gifts remain out of view in a closet or a safe place.

Clear the clutter. A few decorations can stir the holiday spirit, but be sure it doesn’t overpower the space.  You want buyers to be able to walk freely throughout the home and feel the holiday spirit, not get smacked in the face by it around every corner.  

Be an equal-opportunity decorator. While the life-sized Nativity scene that has been in your family for years means everything to you, it may be off-putting to potential buyers with other beliefs. Avoid accidentally offending buyers by opting for general fall and winter decorations rather than items with religious themes. Keeping neutrality throughout the home will keep buyers focused on the house rather than the decor. 

Make Curb Appeal a Top Priority

When autumn rolls around and the trees start to lose their leaves, the exterior of your home becomes more exposed and attention to detail even more important. Touch up the paint, clean the gutters, and spruce up the yard. 

Safety First.

Keep buyers’ safety in mind by making sure stairs and walkways are free of debris and leaves.  Make sure your exterior lights work; as the sun begins setting earlier, it’s essential to make sure buyers don’t feel in the dark.  More light gives the feeling of greater security, and agents will thank you if they don’t have to fumble with a lockbox while juggling their phone flashlight.

A Dead Yard Kills the Vibe.

Make sure to pick up all the sticks, dead leaves, and any other debris, and ensure that your lawn is neatly trimmed. Even during the colder months, a few weeds that poke up from the ground can make your yard seem neglected. 

Picture Perfect.

Place a framed photo of your home during seasons when your curb appeal bursts with color and life in the entryway of your home. A picture that shows homebuyers how beautiful your curb appeal is during warmer seasons takes the guesswork out of the equation.   

Offer a Reprieve From the Cold

Make your home feel cozy and inviting during showings by keeping it warm and offering homemade holiday treats. 

Stay a While.

Set a plate of cookies on the counter, next to festive paper napkins or simmer spicy apple cider on the stove, and set out cups and serving utensils to encourage buyers to spend more time in your home.  Stopping for refreshments will allow buyers to admire the home’s best features and talk about what they love. It gives the buyers the chance to see themselves living there.

Details.Details.Details.

Pay attention to details around the house that you love.  These features will most likely attract buyers as well.  Add simple decor to a beautiful fireplace mantel to draw attention without being overpowering.  Be sure a beautiful stair rail isn’t hidden by festive decor.  Make certain window treatments and windows are clean and fresh-looking, especially if there’s a view you want buyers to enjoy.

Price To Sell

No matter what time of year, a home that’s priced reasonably for the market will make buyers feel merry. You can also offer a few incentives to put a cherry on top of your perfectly priced listing.

Holiday-Themed Incentives

The gift of closing cost assistance is always a welcome one, or you can offer to help with other expenses like moving costs and associated fees. Giving potential buyers a present will encourage them to make an offer, so you can spend the new year moving into your own new home. 

Include a Home Warranty Plan

Give the gift of a 12-month home warranty with the sale of your house. A home warranty plan covers the breakdown of a home’s systems and appliances caused by normal wear and tear.  Offering a Home Warranty could seal the deal for a potential buyer, especially if the home inspection report shows potential problem areas.

Make your home warm and inviting for those looking to buy ~ because selling your home during the holidays might be your best present this year!  If you have questions or need some help to prepare your home to sell, reach out to us anytime.

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