Holiday Home Sales

By Raymond Stoklosa · December 5th, 2008

Holiday Home Sales Clients often ask me, should I put my home on the market during the holiday season?

Not putting your home on the market or taking it off the market for the holidays is a mistake. Certainly, your home is not going to sell if it is not “on the market.” So, what is the advantage of not marketing it? You do want to sell it, don’t you?

The holidays are often a good time to sell your home despite the apparent inconveniences.

Although generally perceived to be a slow selling season, holiday homebuyers are actually the most serious of buyers. Many people take time off during the holidays and that frees up time to look at homes.

Astute agents know that the home buying market is no more affected by Christmas than any other ‘busy’ period. Otherwise the market would shut down periodically during July 4th, Labor Day, summer vacations, spring weddings, June graduations and Fall back-to-school activities.

Many home buyers deliberately avoid the intense spring and summer rush. They know there will be less competition and negotiations will be less stressful. For them, finding the right home at the right price is the most important concern.

With reduced inventories and motivated buyers, you’ll have the MLS members more focused on your home and you may find even more showings than you would during a seemingly busier time of the real estate calendar cycle.

If moving during the holidays is not an option and you do get in contract, it’s likely that you can arrange for a closing that suits your needs. Typically, escrow can close 30 to 60 days after acceptance, so there is usually sufficient time. Possession and close of escrow are very negotiable – creating a win-win for everyone.

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