Are the Holidays a Good Time to Sell my House?

Our team is often asked if the holidays are a good time to sell a home. Lisa Barton, our team lead, talks about selling your home during the holiday season in this recent video.

Are the holidays a good time to put your house on the market?

Traditionally, the fourth quarter is the slowest time of the year for real estate. However, the holidays can still be an excellent time to put your home on the market. As a home seller, you might see less competition as many people actually take their homes off the market during this time of year because of the additional stress it can cause.

What’s it like being a buyer during the holiday season?

It can be a challenge to buy during the holidays because inventory is often down. Usually, buyers who are looking at the end of the fourth quarter are serious buyers. If someone is looking for a house in November or December they likely need to move quickly.

Can I put up decorations during the holidays?

You can! Houses can often look their best during the holiday season. Some things to keep in mind are:

• Less is more.
• This is not the time to put out huge collections or giant inflatable outside decorations.
• You want buyers to see the house, not the decorations.
• Having too many indoor decorations can make rooms feel small. This is not ideal when you want the buyer to focus on the interior spaces.

Pricing is important during the holidays.

Because buyers are more serious during the holidays, pricing is particularly important. Many of the buyers looking to purchase at the end of the year don’t have much time so they are only going to look at houses that are within their price range.

As a seller, pay attention to your real estate agent. Ask for recent sales and comps and price your house accordingly. November and December are not the time for aspirational pricing.

If you are looking to buy or sell during the holiday season, or have any other real estate needs, give us a call. Our team is happy to help.