Let’s face it––whether you’re a real estate agent or just someone looking to sell a home, the holiday season of (roughly) November through January is undoubtedly one of the worst times to list a home up for sale. While this may discourage you from wanting to sell your home during the holiday season altogether, you’ll be surprised to know that there are actually a few advantages that come with the territory. Most notably, buyers that are searching for a home during the holiday season tend to be really serious about purchasing, and the market is also less saturated with homes up for sale.
If you can hold out and list your home for sale after the holiday season, it’s probably a better bet for you to do so. However, if you need to sell your home quick and fast, we’re here to help. Let’s take a look at four great tips for selling your real estate during the holiday season.
#1: Hire a reliable real estate agent for help.
You might want to battle this one out on your own, but it’s almost always best to get a real estate agent’s help. Unless you’re a vetted real estate guru with accumulated resources, a real estate agent is recommended to help you facilitate a speedy and favorable sale of your home. There are many variables and details to be mindful of, and a real estate agent will serve as your guide and initiator through it all.
Ask your friends and family if they know someone who is a great agent to hire. Especially if you’re in the Long Island area, you’ll want to make sure that you have someone who can accommodate your needs during the busy and hectic holiday season––, especially in New York’s touristy frenzy.
#2: Price your home strategically.
Regardless of whether Christmas is right around the corner, a fair-priced home will fill any prospective buyer with cheer. While people tend to think it’s smarter to price high and gradually reduce prices, it may actually be a better strategy to simply list your home at your lowest price at the time of putting it on the market. People like the no-haggle experience.
#3: Take awesome photos.
Don’t just pull out your flip phone (you still have one of those?) and snap a few pics to use in your home’s advertisement. Low-quality photos translate to a much harder time trying to sell your home. Especially with the cold weather of the holiday season, most people are house hunting on the web. Make a great first impression by providing many high-quality photos of your home. If you can’t get a drone or DSLR camera for the job, at least take the time to plan out your smartphone photos. It can make a world of difference.
#4: Pre-Listing Inspection.
Especially during the holiday season when money is tight, performing a Pre-listing inspection is key. It is important to be proactive in the selling process. Understanding the inspection process and common defects gives the seller the upper hand. Over the holidays and in winter snow is also a major factor in the inspection process. Having a Pre listing inspection and correcting some of the defects will give the buyer confidence in the seller. As always The Inspection Boys is here to help. Call or email us anytime.
by Pete Manley
Leave a Reply