November through January is typically the most challenging time to put your home on the market. While it may seem tough, there’s actually a light at the end of the tunnel. Holiday buyers tend to be more serious and competition is less fierce with fewer homes being actively marketed. To make this transaction smoother during an already stressful season, make sure to hire a reputable real estate agent that you trust. If you navigate this correctly, you can use the down season to your advantage.
1. Deck the Halls with boughs of holly, but don’t go too overboard if you can help it.
While homes often look their best during the holidays, sellers should be careful not to overdo it on the décor. You want potential buyers to be wowed, and overdoing the décor may cause unintentional clutter which could make them feel anxious. The goal is for them to envision themselves in your home, not feel overwhelmed before they have a chance to step in the door.
2. Hire a real estate agent you trust.
You need to work with someone you trust, otherwise you’ll constantly feel stressed and the holidays add enough of that already.
3. Seek out motivated buyers.
For those house hunting during the holiday season, they must have a good reason for it. Work with your real estate agent to target those buyers who are on a deadline. Motivated buyers = more serious offers.
4. Price to sell.
While gradually making small price reductions over time may appear interesting to buyers, it’s better for you as the seller to slash your prices before putting a home on the market.
5. Keeping curb appeal a priority is an absolute must during the holiday season.
Trees start to lose their leaves, and we all know how quickly that can pile up. Stay on top of outdoor maintenance and make sure your walkway is free of any debris, so potential buyers are able to enter your home safely. Bare trees tend to expose what we’ve managed to keep hidden, so remember to keep the gutters clean and touch up any paint if needed. You only get one chance at a first impression.
6. Create a video tour of your home.
You’ll most likely see less foot traffic during the holidays because of the weather or vacation plans. Having a video walk through tour of your home allows for more viewings and increased interest.
7. Give potential buyers a place to escape from the cold.
Keeping your home warm and cozy makes potential buyers feel more welcomed and relaxed. In exchange, it gives them more time to admire your home’s best features.
8. Offer closing cost incentives.
Offering to help pay towards your buyers closing costs is a big deal, and a significant method to driving more traffic to your home. Interest rate buydowns are very popular right now and it’s helping a lot of buyers and sellers win deals and succeed in their real estate goals. If you’re wondering whether this is a good decision for you, give me a call and we can chat details.
9. Take top-notch real estate photos.
With the temperatures dropping and wind speeds increasing, people are more likely to stick to internet browsing when looking for a new home. Having professional photos in addition to the video tour, can add more value than you realize. Blow people away with high quality photos so they’re eager to see your home in person.
10. Relax… 2023 is just around the corner.
Holidays are stressful enough and adding a home sale in the mix may be enough to drive you bananas. If your home doesn’t sell before the holidays are up, have no fear because the new year is only a short few days away. Once the holidays are off everyone’s mind, your viewing traffic is sure to increase and before you know it, your home will have sold.