Selling Your Home During the Holidays? Six Expert Tips for a Carefree Experience

The holidays are often considered the worst time of year to put a home on the market. But in truth, the season has its share of advantages.

Buyers tend to be more serious and the competition is less fierce because fewer homes are being actively marketed. If you’ve decided now is the time to sell, get in the spirit with these helpful tips on selling your home during the holidays that will keep you merry and stress-free.

1. Festive is fine but don’t go overboard.
   Homes often look more appealing amid the merriment of holidays but be careful not to overdo it. Having too many decorations or large adornments can crowd your house and distract buyers. Also, it’s important to be sensitive to cultural and religious differences. A good rule of thumb is to keep things basic. A wreath on the door, some candles in the windows, and a tree in the living room are plenty.
2. Curb appeal should be a top priority.
   When cold weather arrives and the trees lose their leaves, maintaining the exterior of your home becomes even more important. Bare trees mean a more exposed home, so touch up the paint, clean the gutters, and spruce up the yard. Keep safety in mind by making sure stairs and walkways are free of snow, ice, leaves, and debris.
3. Make your home its coziest.
   A fire in the fireplace, some relaxing music, a plate of homemade holiday treats, and the smell of hot chocolate will take the chill off a blustery winter day. Consider placing a decorative throw and a comfy pillow on the sofa to give your space a warm, homey vibe. By encouraging buyers to spend more time in your home, it also gives them more opportunities to admire its best features.
4. Turn on the lights.
   Complement your cozy abode with just the right level of brightness. It may be the darkest time of year outside but you can make sure it doesn’t feel that way inside your home. Turn on all the lights during open houses and virtual home tours. Opt for soft white bulbs that offer flattering illumination rather than harsh fluorescents or those in cooler temperature shades. It’s also the perfect time to replace burned-out light bulbs and fix any light switches that aren’t working.
5. Stash your personal items.
   The holiday season is a great time to show off family photographs and beloved memorabilia, but displaying your personal memories makes it harder for buyers to imagine themselves living there. Whether you’re selling your home during the holidays or at any other time of year, it’s wise to remove personal items as much as possible. That way, everyone who tours your home can easily picture themselves and their loved ones in the tastefully-decorated space.
6. Take enticing, professional-quality real estate photos.
   When the weather outside is frightful, home buyers are more likely to browse listings on the Internet to begin their search for the perfect residence. Make a great first impression by showcasing plenty of flattering, high-quality photos of your home. Clear the yard and driveway of any leaves, branches, and dead flowers. Inside, light a fire in the fireplace and add some tasteful winter-inspired decor to the mantel. Simple things like decluttering and changing the lights can create an inviting vibe that will attract more buyers.

Selling your house during the season of merriment doesn’t have to be stressful. Determine in advance the times when your home won’t be available for visiting and be sure to communicate this information with your agent.

Looking for more helpful tips on selling your home during the holiday season? The professionals at Certified Title are here to help. Please reach out to our knowledgeable team anytime.

About Certified Title Corporation: Since 1994, attorney-owned Certified Title Corporation has been furnishing residential and commercial real estate stakeholders across the nation with robust title insurance, settlement, and escrow services. Renowned for their industry-leading reliability and exemplary level of service and quality, the Maryland-based company helps clients from all walks of life achieve their asset goals. To learn more, call (888)486-5511 or visit https://www.certifiedtitlecorp.com/.