Are you planning to list your home for sale soon? Some homeowners figure they should wait until spring, the season that is conventionally considered a smart time to sell. However, if you’re thinking about selling your home, you don’t actually need to wait until spring. In fact, the holiday season can offer unique advantages for sellers, and listing your home during this time may lead to a quicker and more profitable sale. Keep reading for 11 compelling reasons why the holidays might be the perfect time to sell.
1. There are serious buyers in the market
While many people assume that the holidays are a time when your home will not see quickly, the opposite is often true. Sure, there may be fewer buyers in the market, but those who are actively searching during the holiday season are generally serious about purchasing a home. These individuals may be motivated by job relocations, year-end tax deadlines, or personal reasons that make buying a priority. As a result, they’re more likely to be focused, and ready to make quick decisions. For you, this means less time dealing with casual lookers and more time spent with serious, motivated buyers.
2. Less competition in the market
Many sellers choose to take their homes off the market during the holidays, or wait until the new year to list. This can work to your advantage if you decide to sell during the holiday season.
With fewer homes on the market, the competition for buyers’ attention is significantly lower. When inventory is down, the law of supply and demand kicks in, and we often see this resulting in higher offers for the homes that are available. If you list your home now, you may be able to sell it for more money, as buyers are forced to compete for the limited options.
3. Your home is beautiful in the holiday season
Staging is a key component of a successful home sale, and holiday decor can add a magical touch to your home’s feel. There’s just something special about homes decorated for the holidays. Warm, festive décor makes properties feel more inviting and cozy, which can have a positive emotional impact on potential buyers.
Whether it’s a tastefully decorated tree or the soft glow of string lights, these festive touches can enhance the appeal of your home and help potential buyers imagine themselves enjoying the holidays in their new space. First impressions are crucial in real estate, and the holidays provide a unique opportunity to make your home stand out.
4. Motivated buyers are eager to close
Some buyers may be eager to close on a home before the end of the year to take advantage of tax benefits, or because they need to relocate quickly for a new job or other personal reasons. This sense of urgency can work in your favor, as buyers may be more willing to meet your asking price or agree to favorable terms in order to finalize the deal before the new year. For sellers, this means a greater likelihood of receiving strong offers and closing quickly, without the extended negotiation process that sometimes occurs during other times of the year.
5. Relocation and job transfers often happen during this season
The holiday season often coincides with job transfers or relocations, particularly in the corporate world. Many companies schedule moves or promotions for the beginning of the new year, which means that employees are often scrambling to find housing in December or January. These buyers typically don’t have the luxury of waiting until the spring market, so they’re more likely to make decisions quickly and move forward with the purchase process.
6. Flexible showing schedules
One concern many sellers have during the holiday season is the potential disruption of holiday plans and family gatherings. However, you can have full control over your showing schedule during the holidays.
By working closely with your real estate agent, you can limit showings to times that are convenient for you, ensuring that you can still enjoy the holidays with minimal interruptions. Setting boundaries on when buyers can view your home gives you the best of both worlds: enjoying the holiday season while keeping your home on the market. Your buyers will understand, and because the buyers in the market are usually so motivated by urgency they are often willing to be more flexible with your schedule.
7. Taking advantage of seasonal downtime
Many people have more flexible schedules during the holiday season. With time off work, holiday breaks, and fewer day-to-day commitments, buyers often have more free time to search for homes. This extra availability can mean more frequent showings and quicker sales because buyers have the time to focus on finding their dream home. Selling during this period allows you to capture the attention of buyers who are ready to dedicate time to their search.
8. Potential for a delayed move
Even if you receive an offer on your home during the holidays, you don’t necessarily have to pack up and move right away. Many buyers are willing to work with the seller to negotiate flexible closing dates, allowing you to remain in the home through the holidays if desired. This can be a great option for those who want to secure a sale but aren’t quite ready to move out before Christmas, for example.
9. Getting ahead of the spring market
By selling your home during the holidays, you position yourself to be in a stronger buying position come spring. Many people wait until the spring market to sell and buy, but if you’ve already sold your home, you’ll be ready to act quickly on any great deals that pop up. Being a non-contingent buyer allows you to make stronger offers and move faster on your next home purchase, which can be a huge advantage in a competitive market.
10. Year-end financial goals
Both buyers and sellers often have financial goals they want to meet by the end of the year. Buyers may be looking to maximize tax deductions or capitalize on year-end bonuses, while you as the seller may be motivated to close for other personal financial reasons. By listing your home during the holiday season, you can take advantage of this heightened financial motivation, resulting in faster transactions and fewer obstacles.
11. A season for new beginnings
For many, the end of the year symbolizes wrapping up one season and embracing a fresh start. Buyers may be looking to begin the new year in a new home, and you can embrace the opportunity to close one chapter and begin another. Whether it’s the emotional appeal of a new start or the practical need to relocate, both buyers and sellers are often highly motivated to complete their real estate transactions during this season.
If you’ve been considering listing your home this holiday season, we can connect you with some of our favorite real estate professionals, including expert local realtors. We want to help you reach your goals in real estate, so reach out to us any time.