Should You List Your Home During the Holidays?
Most people wait until the spring to put their home on the market — but this means you’ll need to wait several months more before you can sell. Although it’s a less popular time of year, there are actually several benefits to listing your property during the holidays. On the flip side, of course, you’ll need to deal with the reasons people often choose not to sell over the holidays, such as disruption to plans with family and a stream of visitors bringing snow into your home. To decide if you should list your home during the holidays, you’ll need to determine if the pros outweigh the cons.
1. Interest from Serious Buyers
People typically search for a home during the holidays only if they need to move immediately. Unlike in the spring and summer — when people often drop into an open house just to gain an idea of the market — buyers who visit your home are likely to be seriously considering a purchase.
In particular, you’ll be able to target people who received a year-end job transfer. These people are specifically looking to buy over the holidays and will want to finalize the purchase as soon as possible. Other serious buyers may choose this time of year to buy to reduce their tax bill. By closing the sale before December 31, they’ll be able to deduct property tax, interest costs of their loan, and mortgage interest.
2. Less Inventory to Compete With
Sellers often worry that selling during the winter will mean they only receive offers under asking price or their home will remain on the market until the spring anyway. In fact, the opposite tends to be true. Buyers who are looking to purchase a home over the holidays have limited options, which can help you sell your home faster and for a higher price than may be possible if you wait until the spring.
3. A Welcoming Neighbourhood
Neighbourhoods tend to look extra attractive during the holiday season. Even though landscapes may be far from their best, your neighbourhood may more than make up for this with its holiday decorations. This helps buyers imagine themselves living in a welcoming community. To enhance this effect, go to extra lengths to improve the curb appeal of your home by adding more lights, wreaths, and other festive decorations than you usually have.
4. Inviting Interiors
You can make sure the festive feeling continues when buyers enter your home. Add decorations to every room (making sure to avoid clutter) and practice some holiday traditions whenever someone is coming over for a viewing. For instance, you could turn on the fireplace, prepare hot cocoa, or bake some cookies. If it’s cold outside, your home will become a welcoming refuge, making it even more appealing to buyers.
No matter what time of year you decide to sell, it helps to have the assistance of expert realtors. Sherwood Park homeowners can rely on the team at Damon Bunting to give them the advice they need. Connect with us to get started.