Tips For Selling Your Home During the Holidays

I don’t know when this rumor started, but for some reason a lot of buyers think that the holidays are a terrible time to sell their home. And here’s the thing—at least in Springfield and the surrounding area, that’s just not the case. Our housing market is crazy strong, and there aren’t enough houses on the market right now to keep up with demand. So if you’re looking at selling, don’t let December scare you off from listing your home! BUT, before you do, I have three tips that will help you stay sane while your home is on the market this winter. Now let’s dive in!

Tip 1: Don’t go overboard with the holiday decorations

I know not everyone will agree with me about this, but when I have sellers who want to put up their holiday decorations while their home is on the market, I say go for it! People will come in and be able to envision their life there, and that includes their life in the home during the holidays. Holiday decor is welcoming and charming, so go ahead and put some of it up, but maybe keep those breakable ornaments or valuable family heirlooms packed away this holiday. Also! Do yourself a favor and take photos of your home with and without all that holiday decor up. If your home is still on the market in mid-January, the Christmas lights and Santa figurines might look a little out of place.

Tip 2: Don’t schedule your closing the week of Christmas

This might seem obvious, but most buyers want to close on a home within 30 days of going under contract, so if you don’t plan ahead, that can butt up against Christmas or New Years. Here’s the problem with that: many lenders and title companies are closed during the holidays. If you’re looking at closing around this time, be sure to call around to see if your lenders will actually be open when you need them to be.

Tip 3: Plan for more daytime and weekend showings

Once December hits, it starts getting dark at 4 p.m., and it can be hard to really see the true character of a home once it’s dark out. As a result, many buyers schedule showings during the day or weekends when they can check out the house while it’s light out. Be ready for this and make sure you’re able to vacate your house for 45 minutes for every showing that’s scheduled. Of course, you’re welcome to stay during a showing, but I would not recommend it. It’s an awkward situation, and the last thing you want is for buyers to feel uncomfortable. So gather up the pets and leave for a bit. Go for a walk, get a coffee or drive around the block.