How to Sell a Home Around the Holidays

Pop quiz.

What's the worst time to sell a home?

If you ask any families with lots of holiday events, errands, and gifts to buy, that answer's simple: the holidays.

And there's a problem, too: not every buyer is looking to purchase a home during the holiday season. Oftentimes, they want to get the home purchased afterward (so they don't have to worry about moving during the holiday season), or well in advance.

But if you have a specific need for your housing and you're out of options, you can still sell your home around the holidays without having to sacrifice price. Here's how.

Get Started with an Experienced Agent

If you have to sell a home in a hurry - which is often why you're selling a home around the holidays in the first place - that means you don't have much time for a learning curve. It helps to get started with an experienced agent who can run you through the steps as quickly as possible without leaving any stone unturned. That means:

• Listing the house for sale on the MLS (multiple listing service)
• Prepping the home for showings and scheduling open houses
• Prepping the homeowners for what's in store for them

If this is your first home sale, there's no reason you should have to hurry. Expect your agent to do the fast work for you while you take your time getting everything right.

Understand the Seasonal Fluctuations

Even if you're selling in a "seller's market" in your area, you should keep in mind that seasonality means that you might not get what you want right away, especially if you get closer to the holidays. That's why it's important to get a head start if you can - you'll avoid much of this seasonality and jump on the opportunities present.

As Investopedia notes, "With summer being the busiest moving time of year, people buy more aggressively than in the winter, limiting the number of available houses and raising market prices." It's a simple reality of selling a home when you're selling it. But it doesn't mean that you can't get a home sold, either.

How to Sell a Home During the Holidays

With the above in mind, it's time to get into the nitty-gritty of how to make sure your home gets sold during the holidays.

Make sure that you get the process started early in the season. This will maximize the time that the home is listed and maximize its exposure to potential sellers, even as the holiday season approaches.

Think about how you want your home to look for open houses and for photography. This doesn't cost you anything and will help ensure that your home is ready when the time comes - and it could happen fast.

Consult with your real estate agent about the best price to set it at. They'll understand the seasonal fluctuations you can expect in your home state, and what to expect out of the current local market conditions.

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