Your House Might Be Number One on a Buyer’s Holiday Wish List this Holiday Season
This time every year, homeowners who are planning to move have a decision to make: should they sell now or wait until after the holidays? Some sellers with homes already on the market may even consider removing their listing until the new year begins.
But the truth is, many buyers want to purchase a home for the holidays, and your house might be just what they’re looking for. [1] As this article from Fortune Builders explains:
“While a majority of people take a step back from the real estate market during the holiday months, you may find that when the temperature drops, your potential for a great real estate real deal starts to rise.”[2]
Reasons You Shouldn’t Wait to Sell
To help you understand why this could be the best time for you to list, here are four reasons to consider:
- The desire to own a home doesn’t stop during the holidays. While a few buyers may opt to delay their moving plans until January, others may need to move now because something in their life has changed. Buyers who look for a home at this time of year are usually more motivated to make their move happen, more serious buyers that are more eager to buy. As Investopedia states:
“Anyone shopping for a home between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is likely going to be a serious buyer. Putting your home on the market at this time of year and attracting a serious buyer can often result in a quicker sale.”[3] - While the supply of homes for sale has increased slightly[4], overall inventory is still lower than it was pre-pandemic.
What does that mean if you’re considering selling now? If you work with a real estate professional to price your house at market value, it could sell quickly despite rising inventory because today’s buyers are craving options and opportunities – and your home may be exactly what they’re searching for.
- You can determine the days and times that are most convenient for you for home showings. If you’re concerned about disrupting your home during a busy time of year, you can minimize showings to be flexible with your own schedule. You may find buyers are more flexible about when they’ll tour a home because they have more time off from work around the holidays. Virtual touring has also been on the rise lately, and your real estate professional can also create a tour that minimizes in-person showings by allowing for an online showing instead.
- Homes decorated for the holidays have extra special appeal for many buyers. For buyers like this, it’s easy to imagine gathering with their loved ones in a home and making memories of their own. Holiday decorations can make a home look pleasantly lived in and cared for, and accent aspects of the interior and exterior that normally wouldn’t be highlighted (for example, the roof eaves, window sills, and kitchen nooks.) Be tasteful and minimal with holiday decorations if you’re selling this holiday season – make sure they add to the spirit without overpowering the room. Less is more.
Let it Show, Let It Show, Let It Show
There are plenty of reasons to put your house on the market during the holiday season. You may appeal to a more serious buyer, one that has been in search of the perfect home due to lower inventory, one eager to move when there’s more free time to do so, or even one who is hoping to take advantage of less buying competition during the season. Home showings can be conveniently scheduled to work for you and minimize disruption, and holiday accents can work to bring more appeal and demonstrate more care than your home any other time of year.
Speak with your local real estate professional to find out your home’s value in today’s market, and consider making some lucky buyer’s holiday wish come true.
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