Tips for selling your home during the holidays

Having your home on the market when most people would prefer to be curled up under a blanket in front of a fire can be daunting but worth the hassle.

Sellers might think people are less likely to see their home in the midst of their hectic holiday schedules. That can definitely be true, but most people have more time off around the holidays. And anyone house hunting during the holidays probably has a good reason to do so, such as a job transfer or investors with a tax deadline to beat.

It’s also a great time of year to make your home look more cozy, so potential buyers can really picture themselves and their families and friends in the home during the next holiday season.

Here are a few tips for making your home a sought-after holiday find:

Deck the halls, but not too much

This is not the time to channel your inner Clark Griswold. Decorate to make the home look festive but not so much that it feels crowded. Also avoid large decorations that can be distracting, and opt for general winter decorations as opposed to religious in case your potential buyers celebrate a winter holiday other than the one your family celebrates.

Remember, the key is to make people feel at home in the home.

Price it right

A home that’s right-priced for the market will make the season bright for everyone. Rather than pricing high and gradually making small price reductions, many real estate agents advise sellers to start low for the market.

Make curb appeal a top priority

Winter means bare trees and a more exposed home, so exterior maintenance is important. Touching up the paint, cleaning the gutters and sprucing up the yard will increase curb appeal and make the home look pretty as a picture.

Focus on great photos

Speaking of pictures, winter buyers will likely start their hunt from the comfort and warmth of their homes by browsing online. High-quality photos will make a good first impression.

Having a summer or spring photo of your home available online is a good idea so buyers can see how it looks during those seasons. Also consider doing a video tour of the home for the weather-weary (or weather-wary) prospects.

Make buyers feel at home

Make your home feel cozy and inviting during showings by cranking up the heat, playing soft music and offering homemade holiday treats.