Maybe the holiday season is the right time to sell your home
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Nov. 25, 2024) — Many homeowners feel that the winter months are not the ideal time to sell their property.
While it’s true that spring and summer are traditionally seen as peak selling seasons, the holiday months bring unique advantages that are worth considering, especially in our local market.
Serious buyers/fewer “looky-loos.” During the holiday season, potential buyers are often highly motivated. Many are driven by year-end financial deadlines, upcoming relocations or a desire to secure a new home before the new year. With fewer casual browsers, each showing is more likely to bring genuine interest – giving sellers an opportunity to negotiate more favorable terms.
Less competition. Spring is typically flooded with new listings, creating a competitive market for sellers. With many homeowners choosing to hold off during the holidays, your home will face less competition. In our area, where the demand remains steady even in winter, this decrease in available homes can make your property stand out, potentially leading to quicker sales and possibly multiple offers.
Festive appeal. Homes often feel warmer and more inviting during the holiday season. Thoughtful decorations, cozy lighting and festive touches can create an emotional appeal that might just resonate with buyers. A home that feels “lived in” and ready for celebration can leave a lasting impression, which may even influence buying decisions.
Beneficial market conditions. Our local market has shown resilience and demand even during traditionally slower months. With interest rates stabilizing and buyers eager to lock in rates ahead of potential changes, this could be a particularly smart time to list. Many buyers are looking to close before the new year for tax benefits and financial planning, giving sellers an added advantage in negotiations.
Challenges
Of course, selling during the holidays isn’t without its challenges.
It can be disruptive to holiday plans and family gatherings, and the potential for showings during these busy months can add stress. However, working closely with a real estate agent can help you manage showings in a way that allows you to enjoy the season while still capitalizing on a strong market.
The holidays may indeed be a hidden gem of a selling season. With the unique advantages our current local market provides, the benefits of listing during this period may outweigh the challenges.
For those considering a move, now could be an unexpectedly rewarding time to make the leap.
Send questions and comments to jennifer@bhrbroker.com.
Jennifer Stojanovich
Jennifer Stojanovich is a seasoned real estate professional with over 20 years of experience. She is the broker and owner of Better Homes Realty of Clayton, a leading real estate firm in the area. Raised in Clayton/Concord, she has deep roots in the community and currently resides in Clayton with her husband, three children, and two dogs.
A graduate of Clayton Valley High School and Sacramento State University, Jennifer began her career in sales and marketing at Hewlett Packard Company, where she spent a decade excelling and earning numerous awards for her outstanding performance. She joined Better Homes Realty in 2004, leveraging her extensive sales and marketing experience to build a strong and successful team. In 2011, she obtained her broker's license and has since specialized in traditional sales for both buyers and sellers.
Outside of her professional life, Jennifer enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, hiking, camping, and cheering on her kids at their sports games. Her dedication to her clients and community is evident in her work and personal life.