Will Christmas decorations help or hurt a home sale?

It might be hard to sell a house around the holidays. Your real estate agent may tell you to keep your house on the market so that "you'll know the buyers are serious." That may be true in some places, but remember that some real estate agents always want to put your house on the market, even if it's not a good time to sell. 

If your house is not on the market, agents can’t sell it. They may also worry that if you take a listing off the market over the holidays, you'll put it back on the market with another agency in the new year.

On the other hand, some people have to sell around the holidays, and some people have to buy a home in the winter because they have no other choice. Whether you should keep your property on the market depends on your preferences, but there are pros and cons to weigh before you make a decision.

How the Housing Market Change over the Holidays

In the past, fewer homes were sold in the winter. It makes sense because people travel, spend time with family, or enjoy the holidays. Most real estate agents know this and can either go with the market or work harder to fight the trend. If you decide to sell your house around Christmas, remember that it is a buyer's market. This means there will be fewer offers on your property than at other times of the year, and they may be cheaper.

Even though Christmas is the most well-known holiday in the U.S., many others follow religious rituals or rules of behavior. During the holidays, if you are meeting with potential buyers, it may be helpful to know about different holidays and traditions so that you can be a polite salesperson or otherwise aware while talking about business.

Tips on Preparing to Sell Your House During the Holiday Season

1. Lessen holiday decorations you may have.

This is the year to tone down the decorations if you want to keep your house on the market. If there are too many decorations, they might be distracting and take over. Don't make the mistake of thinking that customers can "look beyond it." Not possible.

Having less stuff around your house makes it look bigger and keeps the walkways clear. When potential buyers look at your house, you want them to be able to picture the furniture in each room and make it their own. They won't be able to do that if your Christmas decorations are in the spotlight. You can keep your privacy during house showings by removing too many family photos and personalized decorations.

"The sight sells," as real estate agents like to say. First impressions and your house's appearance can make or break a potential buyer's interest.

You don't have to say you'll never put up a Christmas tree, a menorah, or any other holiday decoration. Still, you should limit how much you do. 

2. Keep your selling points clutter-free.

Essential selling points like fireplace mantels, staircases, and stained-glass windows shouldn't be blocked or covered in any way.

If you want to get a tree, make it smaller than it would typically be. If you don't have room for a 10-foot tree, you could use a tabletop tree or one that is only four feet tall.

Put all the wrapped gifts in one corner or a closet.

3. Be creative and minimalistic.

Try not to hang banners. Instead, use greenery, like garlands made of evergreen or rosemary, to decorate. You can use pinecones and other winter-themed natural items to make beautiful centerpieces that you can put on display.

As additional accents, put a plate of cookies and a stack of colorful paper napkins on the counter where people can get them. Bring the spiced apple cider to a simmer on the stove while you get the glasses and spoons ready to serve. This allows buyers to see your home in its day-to-day life.

If you don’t have an eye for these things, you can always hire a home stager to help you set up your house for sale during the winter.

Final Thoughts

Even though Christmas is not usually a good time to sell a house, it is possible to make it work in your favor if you play your cards right. Putting up holiday decorations could make your house less appealing to people who want to buy it. If you want to decorate your home for the holidays, don't hide or cover up things that make your home exciting or essential for buyers. 

If you need help selling your home during the winter, contact us at Loft Realty, and we’ll help you navigate the proper steps.