Do you want to give yourself a new home this holiday season? Although the housing market usually heats up in the spring, this festive time of year can be a great time to sell your home too. Inventory is typically lower, allowing your house to get more attention. Plus, the homebuyers who are looking are often more serious about moving within a certain timeframe.
With that thought in mind, here are five tips for selling your home during the holiday season.
1. Stage for the holidays.
Yes, it’s okay to decorate your home for the holidays even if you’re trying to sell it! Keep the decor cozy and clean. Think of your decorations as accents to highlight your home’s best features. For instance, if you have beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows in your living room, don’t hide them behind a huge Christmas tree. Likewise, don’t cover your built-in shelves and mantle with snow globes and nutcrackers. Instead, decorate with simple wreaths and garland as well as holiday-scented candles and diffusers.
2. Don’t forget about curb appeal.
The same thoughts are true for outside decor as well. Don’t go overboard with exterior lights and blow-up lawn decorations, but make it look festive. Sure, your grass may not be a lush green, but you can make your lawn look nice by picking up sticks and leaves. If you have a picture of your house in the springtime when the trees are full and the flowers are blooming, include it on a brochure to give potential homebuyers a chance to see it during another season.
It’s also important to keep your property safe for visitors. If you live somewhere with snow and ice, be sure to shovel a path prior to any showings. You may even want to hire professionals to come by each day to ensure that your driveway, front steps, and sidewalks are clear.
3. Light it up!
Use your lighting to complement your cozy holiday decor. Turn on every light in your home to make it bright for open houses and showings. It’s the darkest time of year, so it’s particularly important that your home is warm and inviting. Be sure to replace any burnt-out bulbs and fix any broken lamps or light switches. Additionally, you may want to match the color temperature of all interior lights; a soft white will brighten each room just enough. Switch your holiday lights on too!
4. Be competitive when it comes to pricing your home.
Work with your real estate agent and price your home to sell. You’ll want to consider other comparable homes in the area, the state of the current housing marketing, and the projected demand for housing in the near future. Also consider setting a strategic price point by listing it at $399,000 instead of $400,000. This simple manipulation can make a big difference!
5. Take professional photos.
When it comes to marketing your home, professional photos are more than worth it. In fact, studies suggest that they help your house sell faster and for more money. It’s best to get these pictures taken before you decorate for the holidays though. This way, your listing will work if your home is still for sale come January or February.
Let The Urban Dog Group help you with your real estate needs. Contact Christine Elias at caerealestate@gmail.com.