6 Tips for Selling Your Home After the Holidays
According to a new survey from Realtor.com, 64% of Americans stated that homeownership was one of their life goals, with 50% believing that owning a property is needed to achieve wealth in the long run. While interest rates will likely play a pivotal role in the real estate market in 2025, the good news is that there may be many buyers looking to get in.
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If you want to sell a property or move in 2025, this could be the right time to list your place. For those who are looking for the best price or a quick exit, here are six tips to help you sell your home after the holiday season.
Price Your Home Right
“If you want to get top dollar and sell fast, you’ve got to price it right from day one,” said Jeb Smith, a real estate broker, YouTuber and podcaster at Real Brokerage. “Forget about what happened last year or what your neighbor sold their home for, but focus on what comparable homes like yours are actually closing for right now.”
Pricing your home correctly is what creates demand, and that demand could help drive the highest selling price possible. You want to price your home right post-holidays to attract buyers and get the best offer possible.
Daniel Cabrera, a real estate expert and founder of Fire Damage House Buyer, added that you want to ensure the home is competitively priced through a comparative market analysis. “Leverage post-holiday market activity that you know will begin to take hold with inventory shrinking and buyer interest building to your advantage as you price for and negotiate on behalf of the homeowner,” he said.
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Declutter and Depersonalize After Holiday Decorations
If your goal is to sell your home early in the year, you’ll want to take some time to ensure that your property is ready for viewings because prospective buyers may be selective about what they’re looking for.
“Following the holidays, sellers need to eliminate the leftovers and declutter entirely,” Cabrera said. “Most prospective buyers have preferences for homes with tidy, clean appearances in neutral color combinations in which a homebuyer might better place their families and imaginations.”
Cabrera also noted that you should keep the outside clean and attractive. “Trim any bushes, clear off the debris, and add plants or other decorations friendly to winter weather,” he said.
A clear appearance at your entry with a clear passage to the main door will make for a great first impression, which is crucial if you don’t want your listing sitting on the market for months.
Deep Clean and Refresh the Interior
Since you get only one shot at a first impression, you want to make it count. You’ll want to invest in a deep clean, especially if you hosted festivities during the holidays, so that potential buyers get the best possible impression of your home.
“A deep clean after the holiday is essential, especially if hosting guests or holiday festivities caused wear and tear,” Cabrera said. “Consider repainting walls in neutral tones and replacing worn carpets or rugs to make the home feel new and inviting.”
Focus On Staging and Aesthetics
“Make sure your home looks great both in person and online,” Smith said. “Stage it, declutter and invest in professional photography, video tours and 3D walkthroughs.”
Since buyers will often have an idea of what they’re looking for in a home, you want to invest in providing your place with a professional appearance. With people scrolling through listings, you want your place to stick out during the winter months when it’s easy to let the aesthetic slide.
Leverage the ‘New Year, New Home’ Mindset
Cabrera suggested advertising the property as a fresh start for the new year by touting updates or renovations. “Ensure the listing description reflects precisely how this home can satisfy all resolutions for an improved lifestyle in 2025,” he said.
If you made any improvements or upgrades to the home in 2024, you’ll want to advertise this to attract potential buyers in 2025. You never know when someone will be looking for a home with a brand-new deck or a rental income property in the basement.
Be Ready To Negotiate
“Whether it’s buyer credits or agent concessions, a little flexibility can go a long way in today’s housing market,” Smith said. If you want to sell your home in the first few months of the year, you’ll want to be ready to negotiate with potential buyers. The experts agree that sellers who refuse to adapt will get left behind.
Smith concluded that the market is shifting back to something more balanced, so you’ll want to be realistic and stay ahead of your competition if you want to sell. You don’t have to wait until the spring time to list your property this year.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Tips for Selling Your Home After the Holidays
