A Step-by-Step Guide to Selling Your House During the Holidays

Selling in November-December? Use the season to your advantage.

A lot of sellers assume they should wait until spring. But if your timing points to November or December, the holidays can work in your favor. The people house hunting while everyone else is shopping and traveling tend to be serious about moving.

This guide walks through ten things to think about when you list during the holiday season, from decorating and photos to showing availability.

Decorate, but keep it light

You don't have to pack the season away. You just want it to support the house instead of competing with it.

• Stick with tasteful, neutral decorations that don't crowd the rooms.
• Use lights with a purpose, like a soft glow in the windows or along the mantel.
• Let scent do some of the work. Simmer cinnamon sticks, light a subtle pine candle, or bake cookies before a showing.

Photos and video that last past January

Colder weather means buyers may spend more time looking online before they head out. A video walkthrough shows the flow and features of your home in a way still photos can't.

And take your listing photos without the holiday decor. Depending on the market, your home could still be for sale after the season wraps up, and you don't want buyers in February scrolling past a tree in the living room. Timeless photos keep the listing looking fresh no matter when someone finds it.

Give buyers reasons to say yes

Holiday buyers are often watching their budget a little more closely, since they're paying for the season too. That doesn't mean you have to cut your price. Including items like furniture, shelving or kitchen appliances can make your home more appealing and help a deal come together.

A few more ideas from the guide:

• Point out energy-efficient features, like a newer heating system, a smart thermostat or added insulation. Winter is when buyers think about utility bills.
• Fix the small things, from dripping faucets and showers to minor leaks, especially if selling quickly is the goal.
• If you're thinking about offering financing to a buyer yourself, talk with a real estate attorney and a lender first so you understand what's involved.

Stay flexible with showings

Showing traffic usually slows around the holidays, so each request matters a little more. When a buyer wants to see the house, try to make it work, even if it means stepping out in the middle of holiday plans. Being easy to show is one of the simplest ways to make the most of a quieter season.

The free guide lays out all ten considerations in a quick, easy-to-follow list.

Common questions about selling during the holidays

Should I decorate for the holidays while my house is for sale?

Yes, in moderation. Keep decorations neutral and minimal, and leave them out of your listing photos so the pictures don't look dated once the season ends.

Is the holiday season a bad time to sell a house?

Not at all. There's less traffic, but the buyers who are out looking tend to be serious, and with the right prep and some flexibility a holiday listing can work well.