Everyone wants to have a place to call home for the holidays. For this reason, is renting or selling your home during the holidays a good idea? Let’s learn more about how the holiday season can affect the real estate market.
5 Great Reasons for Selling Your Home During the Holidays
When is the best time of year to sell a house? Spring to early summer is the time when most people put their homes up for sale. The first two weeks of May also tend to be the most profitable when selling a house. However, that doesn’t mean that selling your home during the holidays can’t be profitable as well. Here are some good reasons to consider.
1. Fewer Homes for Sale
There are fewer homes for sale during the holiday season. As such, there is less competition in the market. You can command your full asking price — or very close to it — as homebuyers do not have very many options during this time.
2. Attract More Serious Buyers
There are more open houses during the prime real estate season compared to the holidays.
This encourages homebuyers to visit as many properties as they can — even those that are outside of their budget.
In the wintertime, though, not many people will be willing to withstand cold weather to view houses that they cannot really afford. Thus, you’re more likely to entertain serious buyers when selling during the holidays.
3. Tap into Holiday Nostalgia
Many people feel nostalgic during the holidays. A home decked out in Christmas lights with the fireplace creating a warm and cozy vibe can be enough of an emotional trigger for some homebuyers.
You can stage your house in a way that taps into the holiday nostalgia. Those who are buying a house can feel good when they look at your property.
4. Get a Better Sense of the Neighborhood
Seeing how neighbors celebrate the holidays can provide homebuyers with a better sense of your neighborhood. Most people will prefer to buy a property that’s surrounded by friendly and cheerful neighbors rather than a property on a bare and lifeless street. Sense of community is a major factor for many homebuyers.
5. Take Advantage of Tax Breaks
You have a good chance of selling your house during the holidays because of the benefits for homebuyers. They can take advantage of tax breaks if the sale closes before December 31. Interest rates also tend to be lower from December to January so homebuyers may be able to get lower mortgage payments.
How to Sell Your Home During the Holidays
Here are Christmas real estate marketing ideas that can increase the chances of selling your home during the holidays:
1. Decorate for the Holidays
Holiday decorations can help boost the curb appeal of your property. You can use twinkling lights on your freshly cut trees, hang ornaments on newly painted walls, and place outdoor decorations on your perfectly manicured lawn. Then, inside, create a warm and cozy interior that will make potential homebuyers feel at home during showings.
2. Enlist the Services of a Capable Real Estate Agent
To sell a house during the holiday season, you need to work with a real estate agent that is willing to work from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. Working during the holidays is not ideal but if your real estate agent is capable, it’s worth paying a slightly higher rate. At least with your real estate agent working hard, you’ll be able to enjoy stress-free holidays with your family.
3. Create Online Listings
The Internet has made it easier to sell homes even during the holidays. Since most people are busy with holiday preparations, the best way to put eyes on your property is through online listings. This makes it more convenient for those who are looking to buy a house. They won’t have to deal with traffic, bad weather, and other hassles just to look at your property. Just make sure to include high-quality pictures, detailed information about your property, and even a walkthrough video — if possible.
4. Make Price Adjustments
If the real estate market is tough, consider making adjustments that will make your property more attractive to homebuyers.
You can make small adjustments that will allow you to lower the asking price. It’s possible to slash prices but still guarantee profits when selling your house.
5. Eliminate Barriers to Home Showings
Make it easier for homebuyers to view your home during the holidays. Ensure that your driveways, walkways, and patios are clean and hazard-free. If you live in a place where there is snow, make sure to remove ice and snow. Inside, serve hot chocolate and Christmas treats to relieve the stress that homebuyers may have experienced on the way to your property. These are small touches that can play a large role in selling your house during the holidays.
A Case for Renting Your Home This Holiday Season
If selling your home during the holidays isn’t possible, you can consider renting it instead. The same benefits apply such as less competition and more serious tenants. The New Year is also a time for many changes. People who are moving to new jobs or pursuing new opportunities will be looking for great places to rent during the holiday season.
Renting your vacation or secondary home can also be very profitable during the holidays. There are a lot of people who head to states like Florida to escape the colder climates. Thus, there is a high demand for rental homes during the holiday season.
The Holiday Season: Is Now a Good Time to Sell a House?
While most people will wait for May to sell their house, you may want to consider selling your house during the holidays. As you can see, there are many benefits in doing so—such as less competition and more motivated buyers. You can also take advantage of holiday nostalgia in making your house more attractive and appealing to homebuyers. Nevertheless, make sure to consult real estate Christmas trends to see if now is a good time to sell your house.
If you need advice for selling your home during the holidays, feel free to browse our online directory for the property management companies in your local area.
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