Listing your home for sale during the holiday season sounds a bit crazy, doesn’t it? But sometimes there are very good reasons why the timing of needing to list your home doesn’t necessarily align with an ideal time of year. You may have a new job in another state, you may have had a change in your life such as a marriage or new baby on the way. Whatever the reason, your friends at Cale are here to share some insight into listing your home “holidays style” so that it gets the traction you need while everyone else may be distracted by twinkling lights and wrapping paper and bows!

Price It Right: Do a little homework and research what similar homes in your area are selling for. You need to set your selling price for your home realistically based on current market conditions to attract buyers who are serious. Just like you needing to sell your home during the holidays, there are buyers who need to buy during this time too.
Use Professional Photos: Buyers start their searching online before stepping one foot out the door to go and look at a potential home. Therefore, professional photos, including virtual tours, are essential for you to convey a strong first impression for prospects.
Decorate Tastefully: While the urge to decorate your holiday home may be great and you want to show off the extensive nutcracker collection or display your Clark Griswold-like talents in exterior lighting, remember, buyers want to buy your home – not the decorations. Keep decorations simple, neutral, and elegant to create a cozy feel without cluttering the space or distracting from the home’s features.
Be Flexible (but Set Boundaries): Realize that even though it is the holiday season and parties, family in town or visiting might be on your calendar, you need to accommodate potential buyers wanting to come into your home to view it. Be ready to accommodate showings but work with your agent to block out specific holidays or family event times to minimize stress for all involved..
Enhance Coziness: Cold and cooler temperatures are not necessarily ideal home showing conditions. But you can use that to enhance the moment! Showcase the winter appeal of your by highlighting a fireplace, using warm lighting, and ensuring the home is comfortably heated during showings. Set out a hot cocoa bar or a plate of freshly baked cookies as a welcome. The little touches can go a long way for potential buyers to envision themselves living in your home and enjoying it no matter what the season is!

Ultimately, whether to list during the holidays depends on your personal circumstances and local market conditions. Consulting with an experienced, local real estate agent such as Cale Realty can help you determine the best approach for a successful sale.