'Tis the Season (to Sell)
6 Reasons You Shouldn’t Take Your Home Off the Market for the Holidays
As we careen at warp speed toward the Holidays, and all of the joyous (read: stressful) festivities in between, you might be tempted to take your home off the market—or hold off on listing it—until after the new year.
Real Estate Professionals agree in unison; it is a mistake to either remove your home from the market during the holiday season, or to not put your home on the market if you're getting ready to sell
Real Estate Agents agree, in unison; this is a mistake.
In fact, this time of year can be ideal for selling. Here’s why.
1. Your listing will rise to the top
If homeowners in your hood take a break from the market because they don't want the added task of keeping their properties in show-ready condition over the holidays, that makes for reduced inventory. And that means buyers who are actively searching will be more likely to uncover your listing.
2. Your house looks (and smells) amazing during the holidays
With festive greenery, the sweet aroma of cookies baking, and a warm fire in the hearth, you've got built-in ambiance—meaning you can appeal to buyers’ senses in a way that you can't during other times of the year.
Plus, chances are good you'll tap into some buyer sentimentality: During the holidays, we tend to feel nostalgic about family, home, and memories. That can cause a nesting instinct to kick in—and that often results in a sale.
Don’t go overboard with decorations, though. Stop well short of “clutter.” And remember: Buyers need to imagine their furniture in each room, so avoid blocking important selling features such as large windows and fireplace mantels.
Remember to be sure exterior walkways and stairs are always shoveled clean of snow, and turn your thermostat up before each showing to keep things toasty.
All in all, homey feeling, homes tend to show a lot better during the holidays, while making people feel good on this inside. That is the favorable and lasting impression in which they’ll leave their showing!
3. Holiday buyers aren't messing around
Yes, things typically slow down in the weeks leading up to the holidays. But there are still people actively looking for homes and ready to pounce—or those who just entered the market on a short timeline and need to buy fast.
Potential buyers who take the time to set up home tours during the holiday season are also more motivated to move forward if they like what they see.
4. Families often search during school breaks
Speaking of serious buyers, relocating families often capitalize on the holidays as a time to move without tumult on the kids. They want to find the right property, have stress-free negotiations, and get their brood settled before school starts up again in January.
5. It can be easier to close a transaction in December
Buyers can often get their loans processed and approved faster in November or December than they would in the traditionally busy spring months. It all comes down to the holiday slowdown: Fewer home sales are on deck to process, plus lenders are motivated to close deals before the end of the year.
6. The holidays give you a chance to adjust your selling strategy
If your home's been languishing on the market for several weeks – or more - you might be feeling antsy. Maybe the best solution is to take it off the market and try again after the new year.
Fight the urge! You're better off staying the course and using this slow time to tweak your selling strategy. Would home staging draw in buyers? Do you need to tackle that paint job you'd been putting off? Should you reassess your asking price?
Generally, the reason a house does not sell is because it’s not priced right, and if it’s been sitting on the market, nothing will change over a 30-day period if you're pricing it the same. You're much better off getting the price in line with where it should be, and leaving it on through the holidays.
Happy Holidays… and happy selling season! Contact Us today with your questions on a successful sale during the season.