Holiday Sale-abration: 7 Reasons to Sell Your House During The Holidays

by Susan W

Why wait for Spring? The hustle and bustle of the holidays may be the perfect time to sell your Buck's County home. Whether it's been on the market for awhile or the “for sale” sign just went into the front yard, there are some benefits to opening your home to buyers when the snow starts to fly. Here are 7 reasons why:

1. Supply and Demand: It's the old rule of supply and demand. The number of listings declines in the winter so serious buyers have fewer properties to see…less competition means a quicker, higher sale than might occur in the spring, summer or fall. If you wait until Spring to list your home, more and more homes will be added in the mix creating less demand for your property.

2. Serious Buyers: Potential buyers who are looking for homes in the winter are serious buyers. Most people are too busy with their holiday activities to just “window shop” this time of the year. This adds up to your home selling quickly. The end of the year is also the time when people are notified of job transfers and need to buy a home sooner than later and not have time to wait to shop around.

3. Decorations Sell: During the holidays your home is already cleaned, decorated and ready to welcome family and friends. This year you're also welcoming potential buyers into your home who will see how lovely it looks for the holidays. You may consider hiring a professional decorator and staging expert to help you make your home even more warm an cozy this year. Scheduling an open house is a great idea,too, especially because you're decorated and ready to impress.

4. Tax Deductions: Some buyers will want to close on a new home before the end of the year for tax purposes. Many times if the home closes before the end of the year, buyers can deduct the interest, and other costs from the sale of the home. These tax deductions can be so significant it will generate a winter offer. A downside to this may be the buyers will want to see your home when you have holiday plans. Work with your real estate agent to block out a calendar when your home will be available to view.

5. Curb Appeal, Appealing: Curb Appeal is always important but extremely important during the holidays and winter months. Make sure your exterior, your front entrance, walkway, porch, etc. looks welcoming, clean and safe. Your curb appeal is the first impression of the property and could make or break the final decision to buy. Your holiday decorations offer one more added touch for a festive, welcoming touch.

6. Online Photos and Videos: Since the weather is cold and “wintry” buyers will browse the internet to start their new home search. Provide quality photos and video tours of your home, room by room and if possible show photos taken during different times of the year so they can see how it looks when the garden is in full bloom or the colorful fall leaves fill the trees. This preview will “weed out” those who aren't that interested in your home.

7. Neighborhood Help: Let your neighborhood work for you. The lights, the tinsel and other holiday decorations on your neighbors' homes will make your neighborhood more welcoming and inviting than any other time of the year. This will get potential buyers in the holiday and buying spirit.

Contact a real estate agent in the Bucks County area for even more reasons to sell your home this holiday season.

This Happening Homes Update is brought to you by Yardley's Drew Ferrara with RE/MAX TOTAL. Drew Ferrara has been Ranked #1 of all Bucks County’s RE/MAX Agents for 4 years running (2011 through 2014); has earned the distinction as one of the top 25% of the top 1% of all real estate agents in Bucks County; and even ranks among the local agents representing homes with the least active days on market (Source: Trend)!