Selling your home during the holidays can feel like a daunting task. Making a home look its best when the trees are bare and the grass has browned can be challenging, but it's certainly not impossible.
Another reason sellers are hesitant to list during the holidays is the fear that buyers will be in short supply—and they're not entirely wrong. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, real estate activity tends to slow during the winter months.
However, buyers who are house hunting during the holidays are often looking with greater intention. Job relocations, changing family needs, potential tax considerations, and the opportunity to face less competition can motivate buyers to continue their search even during the slower season.
If you're thinking about selling your home during the holidays, here are four ways to spruce up your property and attract potential buyers.
1. Enhance Your Home's Curb Appeal
You may be wondering how to make your home look appealing when the grass is brown and fallen leaves are everywhere. Curb appeal is especially important during the winter months. It's easy to make a home look beautiful when spring is in full bloom, but it takes a little more strategic planning to make your home stand out during the colder seasons.
One of the simplest ways to improve your curb appeal is to clear away fallen leaves, weeds, and other debris. Keeping your lawn and landscaping neat and tidy makes a big difference, even if the grass isn't as green as you'd like.
If your landscaping looks particularly beautiful during the spring and summer, consider showcasing a few photos of your yard throughout the year. This gives prospective buyers a better idea of what the property looks like when the gardens are in full bloom.
Another great way to enhance your curb appeal during the holidays is to add some simple yet stylish holiday décor. A wreath on the front door and some tasteful holiday lighting can help buyers imagine what the holidays might look like in their potential new home.
Don't forget about digital curb appeal, either! Professional photography and digital staging can make a significant difference in how your property is perceived online. Bright, high-quality exterior photos can help your home make a strong first impression, while thoughtfully executed digital staging can help prospective buyers envision the property's potential. Just be sure that any digitally staged images are clearly labeled and accurately represent the home.
2. Deck the Halls
Making the outside of your home look appealing is only half the battle—the inside matters just as much! No matter the season, you want your home to look clean, tidy, and inviting. But when the weather turns cold, there are a few extra things you can do to make potential buyers feel welcome.
One thing we do at JFP, regardless of the time of year, is turn on all the lights and lamps before a showing. This helps make the home feel bright and inviting, especially during the winter when the days are shorter and overcast skies are more common.
Another way to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere is to light the fireplace, provided it's in safe working condition and someone is present to supervise it. A chilly home can feel uninviting and may leave buyers eager to finish their tour. Keeping the house at a comfortable temperature encourages visitors to slow down and take their time exploring the space.
Just like the outside of your home, decking the halls with tasteful holiday decorations can add warmth and charm. A lush garland, festive stockings, or an elegant wreath can enhance your home's interior appeal. Just be careful not to go overboard! You want your home's features to be the highlight, and oversized decorations or an overcrowded Christmas tree can make rooms feel smaller and distract from their natural beauty.
Lastly, consider adding a light holiday scent to complement the atmosphere. Some people are sensitive or allergic to fragrances, so subtlety is key. A clean, fresh-smelling home is always the best starting point, but a gentle hint of vanilla, citrus, or cinnamon can add a seasonal touch without overwhelming scent-sensitive buyers.
3. Make Touring Your Home Convenient
Between holiday shopping, family gatherings, and busy work schedules, finding time to tour homes can be difficult for prospective buyers. That's why making your home as accessible as possible is especially important during the slower season.
According to Redfin, offering flexible showing hours and weekend availability can help accommodate buyers whose schedules are packed with holiday commitments. Consider extending showing hours when practical and working with your real estate agent to accommodate requests whenever possible. As the National Association of REALTORS® points out, turning down a showing could mean missing an opportunity to connect with a motivated buyer.
Of course, not every potential buyer will be able to visit in person. Holiday travel, unpredictable weather, and busy schedules can make touring a home difficult, particularly for buyers relocating from outside the area. Offering a virtual tour gives those buyers another way to explore your property.
You can take this a step further by incorporating a 3D tour or digital walkthrough into your online listing. Unlike traditional photographs, these tools allow prospective buyers to get a better sense of the home's layout and how the rooms connect. This can help them decide whether the property is worth scheduling an in-person visit.
The easier you make it for buyers to see your home, the fewer opportunities you risk missing during an already busy time of year.
4. Offer Extra Incentives
In the season of giving, offering a little extra incentive can help your home stand out from competing listings. While curb appeal, staging, and convenient showings can help attract interest, offering additional value may encourage a hesitant buyer to take the next step.
One option is to offer to cover a portion of the buyer's closing costs. As Redfin explains, this can help reduce the amount of money a buyer needs upfront. Depending on the terms of the offer and the buyer's financing, a closing-cost credit could make your property more attractive without requiring you to make improvements before selling.
Another option is to offer a home warranty. A warranty may provide buyers with some peace of mind by helping cover certain repairs to eligible appliances or home systems after the purchase. Coverage varies by plan, so it's important to understand what's included and what limitations apply.
You can also make your listing more appealing by being flexible with closing dates. Some buyers may want to settle into their new home before the holidays, while others would prefer to wait until the new year. Being willing to work with a buyer's preferred timeline could help make your home a more attractive option.
Before offering any incentives, talk with your real estate agent about which options make sense for your property, the local market, and your financial goals. Not every incentive will be necessary or worthwhile, and some concessions may be limited by a buyer's loan requirements.
Make the Most of the Slower Season
Selling during the holidays may come with a few extra challenges, but that doesn't mean your home can't attract serious interest. With thoughtful presentation, flexible showing options, and a little strategic planning, you can give potential buyers plenty of reasons to take a closer look.
At John Fuchs Properties, we understand that every home—and every seller's situation—is different. Whether you're preparing to list your property or looking for ways to generate renewed interest in a home that's already on the market, our team is here to help you make the most of your selling opportunities, no matter the season.
Sources & Further Reading
National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)
Consumer Guide: 8 Tips for Selling Your Home in Winter
Advice on preparing your home for winter showings, creating a welcoming atmosphere, and accommodating potential buyers.
Redfin
Tips for Selling Your Home During the Holidays
Suggestions for holiday staging, curb appeal, flexible showings, and incentives to attract buyers during the holiday season.
Zillow
What Is Digital Curb Appeal and Why Does It Matter?
Guidance on professional photography, online listing presentation, and virtual tours to help your home stand out to online buyers.
