Selling a home during the holidays might seem like a monumental task on top of packed social calendars and to-do lists. But while you may feel reluctant to juggle both open houses and ornament boxes, real estate experts are quick to caution homeowners against sitting out the season. Many buyers are eager to settle before the new year, making this festive period a potential prime time to list a property.
To help navigate the dos and don’ts of the housing market during the holly jolly months, we asked the Arkansas Realtors Association for advice.
1. Decorate, but with a lighter touch. Although it can be helpful to make your home feel warm and festive, you should avoid over-decorating so buyers get a better sense of the square footage and envision themselves living there. Subtle touches, such as a front door wreath or a decorated mantle, can make your space feel welcoming without taking up too much room.
2. Brighten it up. Fall and winter mean fewer daylight hours, making it even more crucial to replace your burnt-out or broken fixtures. Adding table or floor lamps with warm white bulbs throughout your home can instantly make rooms feel more inviting, especially in areas with fewer windows, lower ceilings or minimal overhead lighting.
3. Be flexible with showings. With the days growing shorter and evening holiday activities, you may consider extending the time your house is available for showings. Your real estate agent can help determine whether to accommodate last-minute requests, which can facilitate a sale by allowing potential buyers to tour at more convenient times for them.
4. Embrace the winter weather. There’s no denying that winter weather in Arkansas can be unpredictable. Adjust your thermostat accordingly to ensure potential buyers are comfortable during showings. In the unlikely case of precipitation, clear exterior entrances and steps to ensure buyers can move around your property with ease.
Contrary to popular opinion, the Arkansas Realtors Association advises there are motivated buyers year-round. Even during the holidays, life events like weddings, promotions, babies and retirements happen, encouraging those looking to make a move. With help from an experienced real estate agent and proper pre-planning, you can give yourself an incredible gift: a successful home sale, wrapped up just in time for the new year.