The holidays are a GREAT time to sell a house - if you do it right.
If you are not serious about moving, don't have a place to go, plan to host a lot of holiday events, or have any inflexibility at all, this is NOT your time to sell. However, the opportunities are ripe for the picking if you approach your holiday home sale properly! Here's why:
Attract serious buyers
Even more importantly, those looking for homes during the holidays are serious. Think about it. Nobody is going to waste precious time house hunting during the most wonderful time of year unless they are ready to make a move.
Companies tend to transfer employees at the end of the year so relocation home buyers will often be in town.
Realtor.com cites a new crop of international and American homebuyers for searching at odd times of the year as well.
Get in front of these buyers online and ensure the house is ready to show at a moment’s notice.
Weather or not... the pun is true
You think the cold and snow is going to keep serious buyers at bay? Think again. Today’s buyers are conducting their home searches online, and there is no better time to house hunt than when you’re held up indoors. Make sure your agent has a good online/digital marketing plan.
With people visiting for the holidays, neighborhoods often get good drive-by traffic too. This is not time to skip the For Sale sign!
There is so much talk!
When people want to avoid family fights they skip the politics and make small talk. Your house could be the perfect conversation point - for you and your neighbors! Word of mouth is AWESOME this time of year if you do it right. Ask me how to put "gossip" to work for you!
So what are the best ways to make sure you attract these opportunities?
Appeal to second home buyers
The search for the perfect place to spend time with family is often very sentimental around the holidays so it's a good time to hit the resort and second-home market in October if you're selling a house that is great for gathering. Offer incentives to close by Thanksgiving.
Offer incentives
Things like being negotiable on the closing date, covering closing costs or throwing in an upgrade such as new appliances can further set your listing apart. ‘Tis the season for giving.
Price for the market
Home buyers are in the mindset of Black Friday, Cyber Monday and other seasonal offers. Rather than gradually making small price reductions, price your home to compete with this mindset. Buyers can't resist a deal!
Rein in holiday décor
Even if you LOVE to decorate for the holidays, it’s important that the home isn’t overdone. Some sellers go décor-overboard and it’s tough for buyers to see past it. Instead, get staging advice that makes your home warm and cozy.
Be Flexible
Stay on the market during the holidays because a lot of people pull their homes off the market then, so there’s not as much competition. When you are trying to sell your house, it is NOT the year for you to host all the holiday parties. If you have times you absolutely can't show your house, block those times off in advance so you are not declining showings for those serious buyers out looking. If they are only in town for a brief time, you could be missing out on the perfect opportunity wrap up a deal by being to restricting on showings.
Ready to take advantage of the holiday market? Call Sarah First!
You may also be interested in:
Preparing To Sell
What is my house worth?
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