5 Tips for Selling Homes During Holidays

Selling your home during the holidays might seem challenging, but it can actually be a smart move. Here's why: fewer listings mean less competition, and buyers during this time are often serious and motivated. Plus, a cozy, well-staged home can leave a lasting impression in the colder months.

Key Takeaways:

• Price Smartly: Holiday buyers are often on tight timelines. Setting a competitive price can lead to faster offers. Overpricing risks turning buyers away.

• Professional Photos & Staging: High-quality photos and simple holiday touches help your listing stand out online and in person.

• Maintain Curb Appeal: Clear snow, improve lighting, and add subtle seasonal decor to create a welcoming exterior.

• Flexible Showings & Virtual Tours: Offer evening, weekend, or virtual options to accommodate buyers’ busy schedules.

• Warm & Inviting Atmosphere: Ensure your home is cozy, draft-free, and showcases winter-friendly features like fireplaces or smart thermostats.

5 Tips for Selling your Home during the Holidays

1. Price Your Home Competitively for Holiday Buyers

Setting the right price for your home during the holiday season can be the difference between a quick sale and a long wait. Holiday buyers are often on tight schedules, dealing with job relocations, year-end deadlines, or company transfers, which means they need to make decisions fast. Your initial pricing decision is crucial in this fast-paced market.

According to RocketHomes, homes priced accurately during the holidays sell 40% faster, reducing the risk of sitting on the market too long. Overpricing, on the other hand, can backfire, leaving your home unsold as the new year begins. This could force you to lower the price later, which might make buyers wonder if there’s a problem with your property. Pricing slightly below market value, however, can spark interest, attract multiple offers, and potentially push your final sale price higher than expected.

It’s also essential to consider local market trends when setting your price. Different neighborhoods experience varying levels of holiday demand, so your pricing strategy should align with the specifics of your area. For instance, what works for a high-end property might not be suitable for a starter home.

Local real estate professionals can be invaluable here. Take Lizzy Dooley Real Estate, for example. With over $800 million in transactions along the Saint Louis Corridor and a team boasting more than 55 years of combined experience, they provide the kind of market knowledge that can help refine your holiday pricing strategy.

A professional agent can also provide a comparative market analysis (CMA), reviewing recent sales, current listings, and seasonal trends in your area. This ensures your listing price reflects the current market, not outdated data, helping you attract motivated holiday buyers who are ready to act quickly.

2. Use Professional Photos and Simple Holiday Staging

Your home's online presence plays a huge role in securing a successful holiday sale. Since most buyers start their search online, high-quality visuals can set your listing apart. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, homes with professional photos get 61% more views online.

Professional photographers know how to work with winter's limited daylight, using angles and lighting techniques to make your home look bright and inviting. These photos create a powerful first impression and draw buyers in.

Adding simple holiday staging can take those professional photos to the next level. Stick to a neutral color scheme and incorporate small, festive touches - like a tasteful wreath, a bowl of pinecones, or soft string lights around the mantel. Declutter countertops and living spaces to let your home's best features shine. Staged homes, on average, sell 73% faster, which is especially helpful during the busy holiday season.

When staging, focus on high-traffic areas such as the entryway, living room, and dining room. These are the spaces that form a buyer's first impression and where they can imagine hosting their own holiday gatherings. Adding warm, ambient lighting - think table lamps, string lights, or even candles - can make these areas feel cozy and inviting. This creates a lasting impact both in photos and during in-person showings.

Be mindful to avoid bold, overly personalized holiday themes, religious decorations, or extravagant displays. The goal is to create a welcoming, neutral environment where potential buyers can picture their own celebrations.

For even better results, consider local preferences when planning your staging. For instance, Lizzy Dooley Real Estate, with deep experience in the Saint Louis market, knows how to highlight features like fireplaces and energy-efficient windows - details that resonate with buyers in the area. Their expertise ensures your home appeals to the right audience.

3. Maintain Winter Curb Appeal and Property Safety

When it comes to selling your home during the holidays, the exterior is just as important as the interior. It’s the first thing potential buyers see, and in winter, that first impression can be heavily influenced by the weather. A well-kept exterior sends a strong message that the property is cared for, which is especially important during the busy and often challenging holiday season.

Safety should come first when prepping your home for showings. Before every scheduled visit, clear all walkways of snow and ice. Use salt or sand to prevent slippery spots, and make sure paths are wide, dry, and safe to walk on. Slippery surfaces don’t just pose a liability risk - they can also leave buyers with the impression that the property isn’t well-maintained.

Pay close attention to outdoor lighting, especially for evening showings, which are more common in the shorter days of winter. Replace any burnt-out bulbs in porch lights, pathway fixtures, and security lighting. A well-lit exterior not only improves safety but also creates a warm, inviting atmosphere for buyers arriving after dark. Once safety and lighting are addressed, you can focus on adding subtle seasonal touches.

Consider incorporating seasonal lighting to create a welcoming winter ambiance. Simple white or warm-toned string lights along rooflines or doorways can add charm without overwhelming the space. A classic wreath on the front door or evergreen planters by the entrance adds a festive yet universally appealing touch.

Winter landscaping doesn’t have to be complicated to make an impact. Adding evergreen shrubs, seasonal planters, or a fresh layer of mulch can bring color and life to an otherwise dormant yard. These small, low-maintenance updates keep the exterior looking polished and intentional throughout the season.

Don’t forget about the entryway. Keep it clear of clutter, wet shoes, and packages. A high-quality doormat can help manage moisture, but make sure it lies flat to avoid any tripping hazards. These small details show buyers that you care about even the smallest aspects of your property’s upkeep.

For sellers in Saint Louis, working with local experts can make all the difference. Lizzy Dooley Real Estate offers customized checklists and vendor recommendations for snow removal, lighting, and winter landscaping. Their understanding of local weather and buyer preferences ensures your home stands out during the colder months.

A strong winter curb appeal not only attracts buyers but can also lead to faster offers from those eager to move quickly.

4. Provide Flexible Showings and Virtual Tours

The holiday season often means jam-packed schedules filled with family events, travel, and work deadlines. For buyers motivated to make a purchase during this time, their availability is often limited, so offering flexible showing options becomes crucial to keeping their interest.

Evening and weekend showings are especially important during the holidays. Many buyers can only view homes after work hours or on weekends. Being open to showings at unconventional times - like 7:00 PM on a weekday or early Saturday morning - can make all the difference between closing a deal and missing out. Quick responses to showing requests are also key, as buyers during this season tend to act swiftly.

Virtual tours are another powerful tool for reaching buyers who can’t visit in person. These tours allow potential buyers to explore every corner of a home from wherever they are, dramatically broadening your reach beyond just local prospects. For sellers, this means tapping into a larger pool of potential buyers, including those who are out of town.

Out-of-town buyers especially benefit from virtual tours. Whether they’re relocating for work, moving closer to loved ones, or investing in real estate, these buyers often can’t make multiple trips to view properties. A well-done virtual tour helps them narrow down their options and make confident decisions without the hassle and cost of repeated visits.

Advancements in technology have made virtual tours even more effective. Platforms like Matterport offer 3D walkthroughs that create an immersive, interactive experience, letting buyers "walk through" the home as if they were there. Video tours provide a guided look at key features, while live video calls allow for real-time interaction, where buyers can ask questions or request specific views of the home.

To make the most of virtual tours, focus on good lighting and a clutter-free space. Natural light is ideal, so aim to film during the brightest part of the day. Keep holiday decorations simple and tasteful - your goal is to highlight the home’s features, not overshadow them with seasonal decor. Professional photography and staging can also elevate the quality of your virtual tour, helping your property stand out in online listings.

Make sure buyers know virtual tours are available by including this information in your online listings, social media posts, and printed materials. Clear communication ensures interested buyers can easily access these options.

For sellers in Saint Louis, Lizzy Dooley Real Estate offers personalized advice on creating flexible showing schedules and professional virtual tours. Their experience with luxury properties and diverse neighborhoods ensures remote buyers get a complete picture of local amenities and market trends, making the decision process easier - even from afar.

5. Keep Your Home Warm and Winter-Ready

Once you've staged your interiors and spruced up your exteriors, it's time to focus on keeping your home warm and inviting - especially during those chilly winter showings. A cold or drafty house can turn buyers off, but a cozy, comfortable atmosphere can create the emotional connection that makes them want to call your place home.

Start by making sure your heating system is in top shape. Schedule a professional HVAC inspection before listing your home. This typically costs between $80 and $200 and can save you from any heating hiccups during showings. Set your thermostat to a comfortable 68–72°F for tours and open houses. This small step can make a big difference in how buyers feel when they walk through the door.

Don't forget to tackle drafts. Check for cold spots around windows, doors, and other openings. Simple fixes like weatherstripping (around $5–30 per window or door), sealing gaps with caulk, or adding draft stoppers can go a long way in demonstrating that your home is well-maintained and energy-efficient.

Cozy details can also make a lasting impression. According to the National Association of Realtors, staged homes sell 88% faster and for 20% more than those that aren't. Create warm, inviting spaces, like a reading nook with soft throws and warm lighting, to help buyers imagine themselves enjoying the home during the colder months.

Make sure to highlight winter-friendly features during showings. If you have a fireplace, keep it clean and consider lighting it during tours (when safe to do so) - there's nothing quite like the charm of a crackling fire. If your home includes upgrades like smart thermostats or enhanced insulation, be sure to showcase them. A smart thermostat, which typically costs between $100 and $250, not only offers precise temperature control but can also help buyers save on heating bills.

Lighting and ambiance also play a big role. Use warm-toned bulbs in table lamps or string lights instead of relying on harsh overhead lighting. Area rugs on hardwood or tile floors can add both visual and physical warmth. Subtle seasonal scents, like vanilla or cinnamon, can enhance the cozy vibe, but avoid anything too overpowering. And don’t overlook outdoor lighting - well-lit entryways make buyers feel welcome and secure.

In places like Saint Louis, where winter temperatures often dip below freezing, these touches are especially important. Buyers in the area are looking for homes that promise both warmth and comfort. Lizzy Dooley Real Estate offers tailored consultations to help sellers pinpoint the best winter-ready improvements, ensuring your home shines in the local market and meets the needs of these discerning buyers.

Conclusion

Selling your home during the holidays doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle. By focusing on five key strategies - setting a competitive price, using professional photos with tasteful staging, maintaining winter curb appeal, offering flexible showings, and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere - you can position yourself for success.

Preparation is key to a quick sale. Decluttering, staging, and ensuring your home’s heating system is in top shape can make all the difference. As mentioned earlier, homes that are well-prepared tend to sell faster during the holiday season.

Flexibility wins over motivated buyers. Holiday buyers often have packed schedules. By accommodating evening showings, weekend tours, or virtual walkthroughs, you’re opening the door to serious buyers who are ready to make a decision quickly.

The data backs this up. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, homes listed in December often sell for slightly more than the yearly average. Why? Motivated buyers may be willing to pay a premium for the right home, and with fewer competing listings, your property stands out.

Local expertise makes navigating holiday challenges easier. In Saint Louis, where winter temperatures can dip below freezing, buyers have specific needs and expectations for cold-weather homes. Partnering with a knowledgeable local team can simplify the process and help you meet those expectations.

Lizzy Dooley Real Estate combines a deep understanding of Saint Louis neighborhoods with personalized strategies to meet your unique needs.

Selling during the holidays doesn’t have to be stressful. With thoughtful preparation, flexible scheduling, and the right guidance, you can attract motivated buyers and make this season a successful one.

FAQs

What are the benefits of selling a home during the holiday season?

Selling a home during the holidays comes with some unique perks. For starters, buyers looking at this time of year are usually more serious and ready to make a move, which can lead to faster and easier sales. Plus, there’s often less competition from other sellers, giving your home a better chance to shine.

The holiday season also gives you the opportunity to highlight your home’s cozy appeal. Thoughtful, seasonal decorations can create a welcoming vibe that resonates with potential buyers. With a smart approach, selling during the holidays can be a smooth and rewarding experience.

How can I make my home feel warm and welcoming for buyers during winter showings?

When hosting winter showings, aim to create a space that feels warm and inviting. Keep the temperature comfortable - somewhere between 68°F and 72°F works best. Use soft lighting, like table lamps or string lights, to create a cozy ambiance. A few seasonal touches, such as a simple wreath or a neatly draped throw blanket, can enhance the charm without making the space feel cluttered. The key is to strike a balance that makes your home feel welcoming while still allowing potential buyers to picture it as their own.

Why are virtual tours and flexible showing schedules helpful when selling a home during the holidays?

Virtual tours and flexible showing schedules are game-changers for showcasing your property during the busy holiday season. With everyone balancing work, travel, and festive commitments, virtual tours let potential buyers explore your home whenever it suits them - whether they’re across town or across the country. Meanwhile, flexible showing times cater to varying schedules, making it easier to connect with serious buyers.

These features don’t just simplify the process; they create a more relaxed experience for both buyers and sellers. Plus, they give your property an edge, making it more appealing in a competitive market.

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