Top Tips to Selling Your Home During The Holidays
Do you plan on selling your home this year? Now, you no longer have to wait for the warmer months before you list your home. Home buyers are not going into hibernation for winter so why should you wait to sell your home? Read below as we share some top tips (from us as well as top names such as Dave Ramsey) to selling your home during the busy holiday season.
Dave Ramsey recently wrote about this topic on his blog. “Thanks to reduced competition, motivated buyers and a warm and cheery holiday home, you can sell your home faster and for more money during the holiday season.”
Tip 1: Competition
With the reduced competition on the market, your home now has a better chance of selling at a faster rate. Many homes come off the market during the holiday season as people normally do not have the time to devote to being available for potential viewings. Make sure to always keep your home priced to sell and in “show” condition at all times.
Tip 2: Motivated Buyers
The holiday season is already a busy time of year aside from throwing in buying a home into the madness. If a homebuyer uses this time to look for a home then more likely they’re a very serious buyer. Someone searching for a home at this time of year is more than likely doing it for a few reasons such as a new tax write off before the end of the year, or even in hopes of relocating for a new job in the new year. Aside from the personal reason for their search always keep in mind your availability to potential home buyers over the next few weeks. By being available they will see you are just as serious as they are in this process.
Tip 3: Emotional Journey
One of life’s biggest milestones is buying a home, especially for first time home buyers. So as you can imagine a home purchase is a very emotional process. The holidays are also very emotional for many people; a time for family, friends, and special moments. Allowing potential home buyers into your home at this time will allow potential buyers to connect with you on a personal level. They can imagine their family celebrating the holidays in their new home next year. They can picture their family sitting next to the fireplace drinking hot chocolate, and opening gifts, or sitting around the dinner table celebrating the holidays with their extended family. Make their special experience extra special by helping them draw that picture. Keep clutter away, decorations tasteful as well as limited, and of course tripping hazards to a minimum during viewings. We also suggest minimizing religious displays to make the home inviting regardless of religious affiliation.
Tip 4: Hire The Right Real Estate Agent
Reliable help during this busy time will be an integral part of your selling experience. Take time to find a real estate agent that will be available to you during the entire process no matter what holiday is coming up. Ask friends and family for recommendations to an agent that will take the stress away so you can enjoy your holidays.
Tip 5: Price Point
Holiday shopping is typically all about finding great deals, and buying a home is the exactly the same. Market your home at a fair and reasonable price to attract eager buyers. We suggest not waiting to slash prices after the house has sat on the market for weeks, start the price at the lowest possible price point from the moment you first list your home. By starting at a low price point you have a higher chance of starting a bidding war which would equate to an offer over asking price.
Top 6: Curb Appeal
With the season changing there are now leaves falling, and branches on the ground as the trees change. Curb appeal upkeep is very important no matter the seasons, but right now it's even more important. With the trees bare the home is even more exposed to all the flaws showing. Touch up the paint, clean the gutters, and spruce up the yard to help it look alive as well as inviting to potential home buyers. Pay special attention to ensuring your home is safe for anyone walking around by clearing the walkways from snow, ice, and leaves.
Top Tip 7: Online Sales
It’s cold and frightful out this time of year……..Make a video for the buyers to view from the warmth of their own homes. With less foot traffic for viewings, you will have time to create a beautiful video to post online. Show the warmth of your home, pay special attention to family living areas as the focus right now is on family time. Allow them the chance to picture their family enjoying future holidays in your home. I know when I love something I see online I will view it over and over again before I make that final purchase. Online shopping gives me the time to pick over the details that catch my attention and that are important to me.
Share your home buying ideas with us below. How do you make your home warm and fuzzy for potential home buyers? If you are looking to get your home on the market we are here to help you not only for the holidays but all year long. From our family to yours, Happy Holidays!!
