Christmas is a naturally festive and joyful time and it can provide a bright and cheerful setting for selling your home. Although the weathers no help, there are many positives to selling at Christmas and over the winter period. Often it is possible to get a better price during this time once you plan the right strategy. The number of houses on the market decreases and the so the competition increases. Another advantage is that buyers who are looking for properties over the winter period are usually serious about purchasing something, and this could lead to a quick sale. Often buyers looking at this time want to be able to close the sale before a new year begins. Here are 8 Top Tips for selling this Christmas:
1) Deck the halls, but don’t go overboard.
Homes often look their best during the holidays, but sellers should be careful not to overdo it on the decor.
2) Hire a reliable real estate agent.
Someone who will work hard for you will ease your stress and give you more time to enjoy the season.
3) Prepare your paperwork.
You will need some of the 13 items outlined here when you’re selling your home… so why not be prepared and avoid un-necessary stress down the line.
4) Seek out motivated buyers.
Work with your agent to target buyers on a deadline, including people relocating for jobs in your area and investors on tax deadlines.
5) Make curb appeal a top priority.
When autumn rolls around and the trees start to lose their leaves, maintaining the exterior of your home becomes even more important.
6) Take top-notch real estate photos.
When the weather outside is frightful, home buyers are likely to start their house hunt from the comfort of their homes by browsing listings on the Internet.
7) Create a video tour for the Web.
You’ll get less foot traffic during the holidays thanks to the weather but a professional video may attract more house hunters.
8) Price it to sell.
No matter what time of year, a home that’s priced right will make buyers feel merry. Try to avoid gradually making small price reductions.
Make sure to familiarise yourself with the sales process – See our 10 steps to Selling your Home
If you’re a first time buyer, check out our Top Tips for getting Mortgage approval for First Time Buyers
If you are thinking about selling, talk to one of our agents today.