It can be difficult to sell your home during the holidays. However, some great strategies, expert tips, and creative marketing can help you find the right buyer for your house any time of the year, even during winter.

Selling A Holiday House Is Not Easy

Winter is roughly from December 1 through February 28, inclusive of all major winter holidays as well as Valentine's Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This time period is marked by holiday travel, not-so-great weather, and family time.

How It Feels To Sell In Winter

The number of winter home sales has increased over the years, and the days on the market have fallen, but this is not because there are more winter buyers. Instead, it is more likely that the housing market has been growing in general, meaning there are more buyers for each season.

Comparatively to the whole year, winter homes are more likely to stay on the market for longer periods of time. For example, there was a median of 292 days nationwide during winter 2018-2019, instead of 76 days across the entire year.

Tracking the total number of home sales by season is another way to view winter sales trends. It's important to note that winter has the lowest share of home sales. However, this is likely due to fewer homes available on the market, which could mean less competition for buyers.

Who Is Buying Winter Goods?

Simply put, all buyers shop at all seasons. Many people believe that homebuyers are only interested in summer vacations because they have children. According to research, more than half of buyers do not have children under 18. School schedules don't restrict them.

Selling A Winter House Is A Good Idea

• Motivated buyers

• Less competition for sellers:

  There's less competition for other sellers and a smaller inventory of homes available to buyers in winter.

• Take more time off work:

  Winter is a time when people tend to be less productive. Three-day weekends such as Presidents Day and MLK Day are popular days for home shopping. It also means that sellers have more options for open houses and showings.

• Sellers get more attention when there are fewer listings:

  Buyers' agents have more time to negotiate and arrange showings.

• Tax Benefits:

  Buyers who are looking to buy homes before the year ends for tax purposes will find the December listings perfect.

Selling A Winter House Is Difficult

• Lowball Offers:

  Buyers might think that winter home sellers are desperate for homes to be sold. Be prepared to accept lower offers than other times of the year.

• The curb appeal of a home is very limited

  It's difficult to showcase a home's exterior in the winter months.

• Financing may be delayed:

  Because of bank holidays and vacations, it might take buyers longer to obtain financing during this time.

• More likely to receive multiple offers Sellers often find themselves in multi-offer situations during busy seasons like spring and summer:

  This is where multiple buyers can be matched to increase the selling price. In a slower selling year, this is less likely.

• Some home flaws are more obvious:

  In winter, homes that are darkened, drafty or leaky tend to be more visible.

Our Holiday Selling Tips

• Make Your Online Listing More Attractive:

  Online house hunting is a great option for bad weather. You can ensure that the home is presented in the best possible light by creating a 3D tour of the property and by making sure that the listing description is complete and engaging.

• Professional Photography Is Worth The Investment:

  Professionals are the best at taking quality photos of real estate properties. They can make a home's interior look bright and light during winter. Consider one of the most effective tricks for selling a house when choosing a photo of its exterior: Take a picture from the previous summer or spring.

• Find The Right Agent:

  Ask agents about their experiences selling homes in winter and slow markets when interviewing them. Ask them how they intend to market your home when there are a limited number of buyers.

• Selling Price:

  No matter what season, a well-priced house can sell quickly. Your agent can help you price your home using comparable properties in the area. This will allow you to attract the most potential buyers.

Tips For Staging A Holiday Sale

• Keep Decorations Simple:

  The holiday season makes a house feel like a home. Avoid excessive Christmas decorations when you're selling a house. Instead, you should choose tasteful holiday decorations, such as a small tree in the corner and a few wrapped presents underneath. In case of theft, you might also want to wrap empty boxes! A wreath for the front door or a simple pine cone centerpiece are good options.

• Bake Cookies:

  It is a great way to sell your home at Christmas. In addition, you can invite potential buyers to your home by introducing the smell and offering a delicious treat.

• It Should Be Cozy:

  Winter is the best time to highlight cozy features. Warm colors and throw blankets are a great way to decorate the home in winter.

• Some (winter) Curb Appeal:

  Curb appeal is a very different thing when selling property in winter. Shovel snow, provide umbrellas, light pathways, and ensure that there is a mat for guests to wipe their feet.

• Turn On The Lights:

  Winter months are short on daylight hours, so make sure to maximize the light you have. Install higher-wattage bulbs and add more lights to make your home look great and create a warm glow on the street.

• Turn Up The Heat:

  The heat will make drafts less obvious, so ensure that buyers are warmly welcomed in. It's not too late to check the HVAC system if it has been a while. It's possible to make affordable repairs like replacing weather stripping and servicing your furnace.

• Clear The Gutters:

  Buyers may notice a problem with your gutters, such as overflowing or broken gutters. Clear out any leaves that remain after the fall is over.