Sell Your Home This Holiday Season

Many studies show that real estate sales tend to slow down in the fall and winter months, sometimes because potential homebuyers are preoccupied with family and the holidays or, in regions where the temperatures get significantly colder in the fall and winter months, people just don't want to take the time to visit houses in the cold, snowy weather. Sales then tend to pick back up when the weather is warmer and sunnier, which is usually in the spring.

But these trends do not mean that homeowners can't successfully sell their homes in the fall and winter months. If you are thinking about selling your home or if your home is currently on the market, you should do everything possible to make your home stand out in this market, this holiday season.

Here are a few things you can do to sell your home this holiday season.

Enhance your curb appeal. Curb appeal sets a lasting, first impression with buyers. This fall and winter, enhance your curb appeal by clearing the driveway and sidewalk of leaves, debris, and snow; trimming trees; fertilizing and mowing your lawn; and planting flowers that are in season.

Stage your home and decorate for the season and/or the holidays. There are many advantages to staging and showing your home during the holidays. You have a chance to show your home at its very best, ornamented with warmth and cheer-and nothing is more inviting than a home full of greenery, festive lights, and holiday decorations. Consider hanging a festive fall or winter wreath on your door and placing a nice festive centerpiece on the dining room table. Also decorate the house with fall embellishments such as bright pumpkins or winter embellishments such as snowmen.

Consider having a holiday open house. How delightful would it be to have visitors greeted by a warm fire in the fireplace or the soft glow of cinnamon-scented candles; the smell of eggnog, hot apple cider, or fresh-baked holiday cookies; or the sound of jingle bells ringing or holiday music playing? That scenery would definitely leave a lasting impression with buyers. As an added bonus, consider giving away small presents to all of your open-house attendees-a small memento that would remind them of your home (and set your home apart from others on the market).

Decorating and showing your home this holiday season will no doubt be both fun and exhausting, but do keep in mind that seasonal and holiday decorations should enhance, not dominate, the home. You want to show the comfort and joy your family has shared in the home to potential buyers, but not so much where a potential buyer can't picture himself living in "your home." With the right touches, however, you will soon be on your way to your new place, and a new family will be anxious to move in and establish their own holiday memories and traditions.