The holiday season is often considered a tricky time to list your home, but it can also present unique opportunities to stand out in a competitive market. While some sellers hesitate, others leverage the season to make their property shine—literally and figuratively. Here’s how holiday’s influences buyers, what you can expect in terms of activity and offers, and how to make the most of this festive time of year.
The Impact of Holiday Decor on Buyers
Holiday decorations can evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and nostalgia—emotions that are invaluable when trying to make a positive impression on potential buyers. Thoughtful and tasteful decorating can help buyers visualize themselves celebrating in the space, creating a personal connection with the property. However, it’s important to strike a balance. Over-the-top displays or decorations that make the home feel cluttered can detract from its best features. Here are a few tips for holiday decorating when your home is on the market:
Keep It Simple: Opt for a color scheme that complements your home’s palette. Neutral tones with pops of gold, silver, or white can be elegant and inviting.
Highlight Key Features: Use decorations to draw attention to your home’s best assets. For example, a tasteful garland on a grand staircase or a simple wreath on a striking front door can enhance their appeal.
Avoid Over-Personalization: Minimize overly personal touches, such as family-specific ornaments or religious displays, to ensure your home appeals to a broad audience.
Maintain Space: Ensure your decorations don’t overpower rooms or obscure walkways. Buyers need to feel the space, not navigate around it.
What to Expect in Terms of Activity: The holiday season often sees fewer homes on the market, which can work to your advantage as a seller. With less competition, your home has a better chance of standing out to serious buyers. Additionally, buyers who are looking during this time are often highly motivated—perhaps due to a job relocation, a change in family needs, or end-of-year tax considerations.
While open house attendance might be lighter due to travel and holiday commitments, the quality of the buyers you’ll encounter tends to be higher. Online activity, however, remains robust throughout the season, as many buyers begin their search virtually.
Offers During the Holiday Season
You might wonder if the offers you receive during the holidays will reflect the slower pace of the market. The truth is, motivated buyers often come in with strong, competitive offers because they are eager to close quickly and avoid delays. This can work in your favor, particularly if you’re priced strategically and your home is showing well. However, be prepared for the possibility of negotiating around holiday schedules, which might require flexibility on closing dates or inspection timelines.
Tips for a Successful Holiday Listing
1. Price Competitively: Work with your agent to set a price that reflects the market while encouraging offers. Homes priced correctly tend to generate more interest, even during slower periods.
2. Professional Photos: Winter light can be tricky, so work with an agent who uses professional photography to capture your home in the best possible way. Additionally, consider including photos taken in warmer months to give buyers a glimpse of seasonal features like a lush garden, pool, or patio setup. Highlighting these elements can help buyers envision the property’s full potential.
3. Stay Flexible: Keep your home available for showings as much as possible, even if it’s inconvenient. The right buyer might need to see it on short notice.
4. Create a Cozy Atmosphere: Ensure your home feels warm and inviting. A well-lit space, a crackling fireplace, and seasonal scents like cinnamon or pine can enhance the experience.
Listing your home during the holidays can be a smart strategy with the right preparation. Thoughtful decorating, an understanding of buyer behavior, and a commitment to showcasing your home at its best can result in a successful sale. While the holidays bring unique challenges, they also offer the chance to connect with buyers who are ready to make a move. With fewer listings and serious buyers in the market, your home could be the gift someone has been waiting for.
Market Update
n November, new listings dropped by 29% from the previous month, declining from 1,191 to 848—a typical seasonal trend. The average sales price held steady at $373,051, reflecting a 2% increase compared to the same time last year and a 6.2% rise from 2023 ($347,936 in 2023 vs. $369,593 in 2024). The sold-to-list price ratio stands at 97.9%, signaling a subtle shift in buyer negotiating power as some homes are now selling slightly below their list price. Source: Global MLS 12.11.2024
