Selling Your North Jersey Home During the Holiday Season

If you are eager to sell your home but think that it would too difficult to do so during the holiday season, fear not. Though it may seem like an impractical time of year for real estate, holiday time and wintertime can be great for selling and buying homes. At CENTURY 21 Cedarcrest Realty, we offer these reasons why the holidays can be your season for a successful real estate transaction as a seller.

Less Competition

Since many people are hesitant to put their house on the market during the winter or around the holidays, it may be easier to sell yours now if you do. Fewer listings mean less competition, making your chances of selling that much higher. Plus, in North Jersey, the buyer demand is still relatively high during this season and the market remains competitive—especially in Essex County, Passaic County, Morris County, and Bergen County, NJ.

With a smaller housing inventory on the market, you may be able to sell faster and for a better asking price. Also, people tend to have more days off from work around this time, giving you more flexibility for scheduling showings or open houses.

Serious, High-intention Buyers

The holidays are generally reserved for gift shopping, family functions, and party planning. Most people are not going to set time aside to also shop for a new home, even if they have considered the idea. However, this season presents you with serious shoppers who are making home buying a priority, even during the busiest time of the year. Listing your home during the holiday season, especially at the right asking price, can expedite the process of selling your North Jersey home by attracting committed buyers who have a plan of action.

Setting the Scene (or Staging Your Home)

Winter brings with it short days and snowy weather, and people like to find comfort indoors. Use this to your advantage by staging your home with some warm blankets, a deliciously scented candle, or perhaps a fire in the fireplace. These elements can really create the cozy environment you want people to imagine for themselves. Plus, if you celebrate during the holiday season, don’t be afraid to get festive and embellish your home with some simple, staple holiday decorations. At such a family-focused and often nostalgic time of year, giving buyers a chance to imagine themselves and their family celebrating in the home together can go a long way when it comes time for that buyer to make a decision. An inviting space invites offers!

Helpful Winter Weather Tips

Mind the winter weather and make it as easy as possible for people to see and enjoy your home. Be sure to keep walkways and steps clear of snow and use salt for ice to keep potential buyers safe. A doormat for wet boots and an umbrella stand at the front door are a good touch. Also, fill the house with warm-tone lights to counteract the darker days, and turn the heat on to keep it cozy. If you have a drafty window or two, consider patching them up before showing your home to prevent a cold leak from driving a buyer away. Keeping your home as warm and inviting as possible during the winter months is key to enticing prospective buyers!

Find the Right Real Estate Agent

A great real estate agent is imperative to selling your home, especially during this hectic time of year. You want an agent who will prioritize you during the busy holiday season, be your advocate throughout the entire selling process, work hard on your behalf, and be totally reliable and reachable. This will go a long way in making selling your home a much easier experience for all parties. The associates at CENTURY 21 Cedarcrest Realty are committed to providing the highest level of service to our clients, learning about their unique homes to market them effectively, and guiding our buyers and sellers through the entire transaction.

At CENTURY 21 Cedarcrest, our clients’ interests are our first concern.

Key takeaways: Selling your NJ home during the holiday season

• North Jersey has a highly competitive real estate market all year ‘round. Although there may be less demand during the holiday season, there are still plenty of eager potential buyers.
• You can benefit from being part of a smaller pool of homes for sale, and create an opportunity for more serious, intentional buyers.
• You can also use the holiday season to your advantage by creating a warm, festive, and inviting space that people can see themselves enjoying.
• Although different from selling your home in the warmer months, with the right adjustments and the expertise of a CENTURY 21 Cedarcrest Realty agent, selling your home during the holidays can be a successful endeavor.

Another tip? Contact our broker owner John Sass about listing your home right away at 973-228-1050, ext. 102 or fill out the form at https://century21cedarcrest.com/contact-me.