Homes for the Holidays – 6 Takeaways for Selling during Winter
The holidays are magical, filled with festivities and lively beyond belief. While not typically known for being a busy selling season, winter is a great time to sell and here are 3 reasons why.
1 – Less Housing Inventory
source: The Perfect Light
Spring is typically when the housing market picks up. That does not mean, however, that people don’t look or buy during other seasons. Keep in mind that less inventory during winter months means lack of competition for sellers. Other homeowners may want to avoid showings that interrupt family festivities, which means that serious buyers will have more time to focus on your house instead of an endless supply of other listings on the market.
2 – That Warm and Cozy Feeling
source: Priscilla du Preez, Home Stories A to Z and Magnolia
The holidays are generally associated with families gathering around the hearth, fun festivities like baking, and the feeling of “home.” By selling during winter months, homeowners can appeal to many buyers and exude the warmth and comfort of Christmas by staging their home, turning up the heat to combat cooler temperatures, and allowing the scent of holiday cookies to permeate every corner of the house. There is even the opportunity to boost one’s curb appeal by cloaking the exterior in twinkling lights and elegant garland.
3 – End-of-Year Time Off and Job Transfers
source: Styled with Lace
While most people may correlate the holidays with a hectic schedule and no downtime, sellers also need to realize that full-time employees may have extra days off at the end of the year to look at and tour homes. Buyers relocating, specifically, may only be available during the Christmas holiday to find their new home.
So, if you have decided to sell but are wondering if you need to skip the holiday decor, you will be happy to find that is not necessary. These 3 tips will guide you through the process of decorating for Christmas without reducing property value and turning off buyers.
1 – Avoid Clutter and Going Overboard
source: Better Homes and Gardens
While it may be tempting to cloak every corner of your home in red and green, less really is more when it comes to selling during the holidays. Clutter can hide some of your home’s best features like an open floor plan and spacious room dimensions. Instead, think a tall tree that showcases ceiling height, glass baubles that reveal the light and bright interior, and a color scheme that fits the home’s architecture and design.
2 – Use Simple and Stylish Decorations
source: Cameron Stewart, Call Me Fred and Our Southern Homes
Twinkling lights and a beautifully decorated home can evoke an emotional response from potential buyers by reminding them of wonderful Christmases spent with family and friends. Consider hanging a welcoming wreath on the front door, illuminating the mantelpiece with soft candles and stylish garland, and stringing white lights throughout the trees in the yard.
3 – Choose Appropriately Sized Holiday Decor
source: The Sun, The Spruce and HGTV
Whether inside or out, sellers need to be mindful when it comes to the size of their holiday decor. While a full, 10-foot Christmas tree may be a family favorite, a smaller, thinner tree might highlight and showcase the space, light and charm of the room better. Outside, avoid large inflatables that may detract from the home’s curb appeal. Instead, consider white string lights that displays the architecture and roof line, and a cheerful yet elegant wreath that welcomes all through the door.
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