Selling during the holidays

I have heard that selling a home during the holiday season is considered the worst time to put a house on the market. Don't let the thought of selling your home during this festive season dampen your holiday spirit! There are reasons that selling during this season has its advantages:

Holiday buyers tend to be more serious and your competition is less fierce with fewer homes on the market. Just decide if you really need to sell? If so, here are a few tips that I have discovered.

1.                   Holiday homes look their best!
   Often homes look their best during the holidays, but just don't overdo it on the decor. Large ornaments or too many may crowd your home and distract buyers. Also, avoid offending anyone. Displaying general decorations rather than items with religious themes are preferred.

2.                   Hire a knowledgeable and reliable local real estate agent :)
   That means someone like me who will work hard for you and won't disappear during Christmas or New Year's. Ask for recommendations from your friends and family who may know a listing agent who will go above and beyond to get your home sold. This will put your mind at ease, reduce stress and give you more time to enjoy the season. Ask for reviews.

3.                   Buyers who buy now definitely motivated.
   Folks who are house hunting during the holidays probably have a good reason for doing so. Buyers may be working with a deadline, including relocation buyers, investors working with tax deadlines, college students etc.

4.                   Be sure to price it to sell.
   To help buyers feel merry, be sure to price it to sell. It doesn't matter what time of year, a home that’s priced low for the market will sell. Rather than gradually making small price reductions, it may be necessary to reduce the price before putting a home on the market.

5.                   Ensure that curb appeal a top priority.
   Make sure the yard is clean and free of debris. Make sure the stairs and walkways are free of snow, ice and leaves.

6.                   Give house hunters a place to escape from the cold.
   Crank up the heat during showings! Your home will feel cozy and inviting during showings just by cranking up the heat, playing soft holiday music and offering homemade holiday treats. Give them a reason to stay in your home a little longer.

7.                   Use professional real estate photos.
   When the weather outside is chilly, many homebuyers start their house hunting from the comfort of their homes by browsing listings on the web. Properties with high-quality photos interest buyers the most. Sometimes, you can share a summer or spring photo of your home so buyers can see how it looks year-round.

8.                   Ask your agent to create a video tour to use on the Internet.
   Posting a video tour on the web may attract house hunters who don't have time to physically see your home or would rather not drive in a snowstorm.

9.                   Consider an open house.

Serious lookers will welcome the opportunity to view your home during the holidays because it often is a better time for them and for you to show it! Work with your agent and review if an open house makes sense?

  10.              How about offering financing assistance?

Many buyers are now asking sellers to assist them with their closing costs. Why not advertise that you are willing to help as well? 

Relax — 2020 is just around the corner.
If your home doesn't sell in 2019, no worries. Sit back and relax! Remind yourself that if you don't sell now, there's always next year, which, luckily, is only a few days away.