I’m asked this question every year… multiple times…

Should I put my home on the market during the Holiday Season?

Generally, the person asking the question has found out that they need to move and they are wondering if they should put their home on the market now or if they should wait until the New Year.

As much as I want it to be a simple answer, there are a few things that HAVE to be considered.

• Lifestyle
• Security
• Motivation to sell
• Timing

Under the heading of Lifestyle, there are a couple of things to consider…  First, do you like to go over he top on decorations?  Be honest with yourself.  It is perfectly fine if you do, but it might need to be toned down if your home is on the market.  A Buyer needs to be able to picture THEMSELVES in the house, and if every corner of the home is showing your very personal memories, it may be harder for the Buyer to do that.  They might also be of a different faith and celebrate the season in a different manner or even not at all.  I’ve found that the vast majority of people that don’t celebrate Christmas aren’t offended by those that do, but going nuts with it might not be the best tactic.

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Secondly, assuming that your home is priced appropriately, there will be showings.  They might not be at the most convenient time.  And while I’ve found my buyers are often willing to work with the seller to find a good time, it doesn’t always work, and homes HAVE been eliminated from viewing because it was too difficult to schedule.

You should also consider your personal Security.  Again, people will be coming to view your home… just like they would at any other time of the year.  And the vast majority of people will be absolutely honest and have good intentions, but there is a possibility that someone could come to see the house and either take advantage of an opportunity to “pick up” something, or even look to see if the home is worth robbing later.  And unlike most times of the year, there are valuable presents all over the place, as well as valuable antiques that might only be out a few weeks a year.

Do you NEED to sell?  Do you need to sell NOW?  That is Motivation.  If you don’t need to sell, it might not be worth disrupting your Holidays in order to have your home on the market.  But, if you have to move, you have to move… and that likely means that you have to sell.  Regardless of whether it is foreclosure mitigation, a job change, new marriage, divorce or some other factor, need is need.

Finally is Timing.  And it is closely related to Motivation and Lifestyle.  So, here is a question for you…  What if a Buyer wants to close on your house before Christmas?  Would you be ready?  Most buyers in the market over the Holidays are serious.  They are ready to make the change… maybe they want to be in their new home for Christmas.  Maybe they want to be able to host a New Year’s Party in their new home.  You need to be honest with yourself… could you handle that?

After you have thought about these things, and the fact that there will be an increase in listings after the New Year… and again in the Spring, then you can make a decision.  Feel free to give me a call if you need to list your home during the Holidays…