The holiday season is often considered the worst time to put a home on the market. While the thought of selling your home   during the winter months may dampen your holiday spirit, the season does have its advantages.

1. People who look for a home during the holidays are more serious buyers. With over 50 years of combined real estate    experience, we have found that some of our most serious homebuyers have looked for homes during the holidays.  Some buyers are anticipating year-end bonuses that will pad their down payment.  Other buyers may be relocating at the start of the New Year to start a new job.  Whatever the reason, these buyers are motivated – they’re not out looking at homes for the fun of it during the holidays while holiday to-do lists are looming large!
2. Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the holidays and less competition means more money for you. Less Homes on the Market = Less COMPETITION! Let’s face it…most home sellers like to wait until the Spring and Summer seasons to put their home on the market.
3. Houses show better when decorated for the holidays. Buyers will see your neighborhood in a new light!  Another one of our favorite reasons to sell your home during the  holidays is that homebuyers will get to see your  neighborhood all spruced up.  Lots of residents adorn their homes with lights, festive wreaths, candles and more – it’s fun just to drive through a neighborhood and get a feel for it during the holidays.
4. Buyers are more emotional during the holidays. Happy homebuyers who need to move are attracted to homes that are warmly decorated and inviting.  Buyers can get emotionally  attached to your home if it invokes a sense of family and holiday spirit.  (But don’t overdo it! )
5. Buyers have more time to look for a home during the holidays. Kids are out of school, and some families have more time to check out homes and neighborhoods – why not be one of the homes they want to see?
6. Some people must buy before the end of the year for tax reasons. Although tax benefits are not the main reason a person buys a new home, they certainly don’t hurt!
7. January is traditionally the month for employees to begin new jobs. Since transferees cannot wait until Spring to buy, you must be on the market now to capture that market.
8. You can still be on the market, but you have the option to restrict showings during the six or seven days during the holidays.
9. You can sell now for more money and we will provide for a delayed closing or extended occupancy until early next year.
10. By selling now, you may have an opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer during the Spring. So sell your home during the holidays, know how much money you have to invest in your next home, and buy your next home with a strong, non-contingent offer!
11. The Stovall Team works during the holidays! The Stovall Team is WORKING during the holidays, helping sellers list their homes for sale, and helping buyers find the home that is right for them. We have learned that lots of home buying and selling takes place during the holidays, so we always make ourselves available to clients during this busy time.   Let the Stovall Team help with your  Real Estate goals. Call us today at 714.343.9294 or  714.393.5377  stovallteam.com

Source: Stovall Team, excerpts from Mike Ferry.com