Here’s five home selling pointers to consider as your house hits the market this season.
The holiday season doesn’t have to put your home sale on pause. In fact, selling a home in the early winter can sometimes present benefits, like having less competition compared to busier times of year.
Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when listing your home for sale during the holidays.
DO: Hire a trusted real estate agent
Enlisting the help of a trusted real estate agent is a critical step in the home selling process any time of year. As a local housing market expert, your agent will leverage their experience and expertise to help you complete a smooth transaction and reach your real estate goals. An agent can help with setting a competitive listing price, staging, marketing, negotiating on your behalf and so much more.
DON’T: Forget to keep your home showing-ready
It’s essential to keep your house clean and clutter-free for showings – these two qualities can help the place appear as a blank canvas to prospective homebuyers. During the holidays, when your home may see more foot traffic and your schedule is busier than usual, it’s crucial to maintain that showing-ready standard.
Pair down on personal items in common areas, put away things like dishes and toys, wipe down all surfaces, keep up with dusting and regularly remove pet-related mess. To accommodate holiday travels, buyers may want to tour your home on short notice, so it’s best to be prepared to depart as needed.
DO: Stage your home with the season in mind
Winter is a great time to make your home feel inviting to prospective buyers. Use simple touches like knit throw blankets, cozy pillows and upgraded area rugs to add comfort and texture. If you have a fireplace, pile logs in a nearby firewood rack and consider having it safely lit during showings. Keep the focus on the home’s highlight features while adding just enough seasonal warmth to make buyers feel at home.
Plus, don’t forget the importance of scent. Infusing your space with wintertime favorites like cinnamon, vanilla or pine can be a thoughtful way to set the scene.
DON’T: Overdo the seasonal decorations
Holiday decorations can enhance a home’s appeal, but be careful not to go overboard with them while your place is on the market. Keep seasonal flair simple and neutral so buyers can focus on the space, not the decorations.
A wreath on the door, decorated mantle or seasonal accessories dotted throughout can add a festive touch without distracting from the home itself. Setting the dining table is a way to show prospective buyers what hosting for the holidays could look like at home. And when it comes to curb appeal, less can be more – so consider avoiding cluttered outdoor displays as they can draw attention away from your home’s best qualities.
DO: Understand local housing market conditions
Market conditions vary by location, so it’s important to talk to your agent about what housing trends look like in your area, and what home selling expectations look like for your unique transaction.
For example, during the holidays, there may be fewer homebuyers house hunting, but those who are actively looking may be motivated to move quickly in hopes of kicking off the new year in a new space or accommodating their timely life changes. Plus, the potential for fewer homes hitting the market could give your listing a competitive edge.
Feeling holly and jolly – and ready to sell your home? Get in touch with a local RE/MAX agent today.
Article originally appeared on RE/MAX.com.
