Here are 10 reasons that selling during the holidays is a great idea
1. Motivated buyers
Buyers who brave the holiday craziness and market changes are serious about not just getting a deal, but owning a home.
2. A spike in relocation
January is the most common time of the year for people to start their job after being transferred, and typically they get notice in November or December. These buyers have no time to waste; they have a short time frame and are very serious about purchasing.
3. Houses show beautifully when decorated for the holidays
Holiday decorations that are nicely staged can add a beautiful flair to the home and have been proven to increase how well the home shows. Buyers coming through will instantly imagine spending their holidays in your home, and the memories they will build there with their own families and friends.
4. Time to browse
Buyers tend to have more free time during the holidays, which means they can look for homes during the work week rather than be limited to the weekends. When people have more free time, they are less stressed, and when they are less stressed, they are willing to spend more.
5. Tug on the heartstrings
Buyers are already more emotional and sentimental by nature, but during the holidays, that is even more true. When buyers start envisioning their own family time and making those holiday memories, they are inclined sometimes to spend more than they would at other times of the year.
6. Less competition
Inventory is historically low right now, which means less competition and a greater chance of selling quickly. The chance to get multiple offers rises during this time as well. Waiting to list in January or the spring (along with everyone else) will mean more competition, which means your seller will often get less money for their home, and sit on the market longer.
7. Tap into tax savings
There are tax benefits to buying and selling a home before the end of the year. There are a variety of mortgage deductions, and they can also take advantage of state and local tax (SALT) deductions, tax-free profits on the sale of their home, and even home office deductions for those who work remotely.
8. Lower showing expectations
Even motivated sellers often get weary of having to have their home “show ready” at any given moment. This is the only time of year when buyers really expect to work around schedule restrictions due to holiday celebrations.
9. Sellers set the timetable
Even if you get an offer, that doesn’t mean you have to stop, drop and roll out of your home. It’s totally acceptable to delay the closing, or even request extended occupancy to accommodate a move into the new year.
10. Smart sellers become equally smart buyers
Selling a home now gives you the opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer in the spring when the majority of homeowners choose to list their home.