Selling in the lead up to Christmas? You could have an advantage
Don’t fret if you’re trying to sell your home as the tinsel’s going up. There are some little known advantages to selling in the lead up to Christmas and early in the New Year.
Of course there are the known challenges such as agents closing up shop for a break, people getting distracted with presents and parties, and let’s face it … most of us are just plain exhausted! But if you find yourself selling over the holidays, don’t despair as this can be a good thing. You just need to know where your advantages lie.
Spring fallout
The Spring selling season is winding down, and many who have parted with their home are now on the hunt for their next property. There will be a good number of people who missed out on their dream home and need to close the deal before the end of the year.
Buyer accessibility
Though it’s a busy time of year, most people have more time up their sleeve to scout properties they’ve had an eye on. Normal work schedules make viewing lots of properties a challenge. As workload and commitments slow down, motivated buyers have much more time to search through properties that appeal and get out to see them.
Less competition
Selling at the height of Spring or Autumn means you’ll need to work hard to stand out from a crowd. There are usually less properties on the market over Christmas and New Year, meaning motivated buyers will have fewer prospects to tempt them. By February, property listings are surging once more, so demand for your place may change. Milk the fact you’re one of a special few.
How we feel
With less work and more merriment, people generally feel happier and more relaxed over the holidays. When buyers are cheery, they’re in a better mood to negotiate and more likely to act. The process should be easier on all parties. Starting a new year and wrapping the previousone, makes most people reflective. We think about what we did and didn’t do, our goals and dreams. It’s a time of taking stock and reinvention – the perfect state of mind for moving on to a new home and a new chapter of life.
Romantic appeal
Depending on where you live and how you decorate, a home can have a unique appeal during the Christmas season. If your target market is families, you can tastefully dress your property so it lives and breathes the perfect family Christmas. Buyers can get more emotional over the holidays, so appealing to the heart strings isn’t as taboo as usual. Embrace the season and you’ll connect with others who love it.
Visiting Expats
Expats who are visiting family and friends over the holiday season often keep an eye on properties from afar. Sometimes the silly season is actually the best opportunity for them to purchase property while they are in their home town.
Here’s wishing Santa delivers the perfect buyer for you!
Inspiration and information for this blog courtesy of Lynette Malcolm, and Venessa Paech, writer for realestate.com.au
