Selling a home anytime of the year can be an overwhelming process. Doing so during the holiday season presents unique challenges and opportunities. OUTCOAST reached out to Olympia Hiotis with Smith & Associates Rela Estate to learn her top tips on how to sell a home during the holiday season.
If you’re interested in buying a home during the holiday season, head this way…
Put the Mistletoe Away
Less is more! Although it might be enticing to decorate for the holidays, it’s important to keep homes staged neutral always, regardless of time of year. This allows the buyer to consider how the home will look with their photos and accessories all year long.
He Knows When You’re Awake
More home burglaries occur during the holidays than any other time of the year. Make sure you have someone keeping an eye on your home if the property will be vacant while it’s on the market. Consider installing an inexpensive camera system, like this one.
Timing is Everything
Put your home on the market after, or between, specific holidays. You won’t have any showings during Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, or New Year’s Day. In a hot market, like Florida, you could list the day after Thanksgiving and sell before Christmas. Or list the day after Christmas and find some interested buyers before New Years. Worst case scenario, list the day after the New Year when people are more willing to make big changes in their lives.
Also check out our tips for selling your home during tax season.
Consider the Trimmings
Make sure your yard is neatly trimmed and weeded. Rake-up dead leaves and collect branches and other debris so your yard looks well-tended. Consider displaying photos of your property in other seasons when flowers and greenery are at their peak.
Consider Incentives
Consider giving buyers the “gift” of closing cost or moving assistance. Speak with your realtor to see if this, or other holiday incentives, are good investments for your situation.
Use a Professional
It might be enticing to “list as owner” or to network with friends in hopes that you might sell your property. But during a difficult time to sell, leave it to the pros. Yes, you’ll have to dish out added commissions, but there’s a greater chance that your real estate agent will list your property at the right price and sell it faster, which means more money to your bottom line and more time to spend looking for your next home.
To learn more about selling a home during the holiday season in the St Petersburg area, contact Pia Hiotis here.
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