You shouldn’t give up on selling your home just because the weather outside is frightful. Though winter might be cold, the housing market is not. Selling during the end of the year has its benefits, despite fewer houses being sold at this time. It helps to learn the ins and outs of selling — including how things might go near the holidays.

What Goes Into Selling a Home?

Selling a home can be taxing. You must determine all the costs, including how to market your house to potential buyers. You’ll have to pay for an inspection to identify any issues and choose the best price point. Selling your home in the winter may mean sacrificing your free time during the holidays to allow for showings or getting your house together.

One of the first steps is to look for anything that needs repairs or sprucing up. For example, even if you have nothing to fix in your house, conducting a deep clean alongside staging can make it look more appealing to potential buyers. A real estate agent can help you take professional photos and optimize your listing, which will attract more attention.

Pros of Selling in Winter

Many people are coming around to the idea that this time of year is optimal to sell, as there were 54.7% more houses for sale in December 2022 than at the same time in 2021. It’s far from the most popular season but attracts potential buyers, likely helping you sell your home faster than you imagined.

People will have more time off to see your home. They could start browsing early in the season with the intention to move in just a couple of months.

Cons of Selling in Winter

Fewer sellers are on the market in the winter, but there may also be fewer buyers. People are often busy during the holidays and may not want to uproot their whole lives and move into a new home right away. Fewer buyers means you also might not have a bidding war that can drive the selling price up. Still, interested buyers are more likely to be serious.

At the same time, because there are so few serious buyers, you may notice that your offers are lower.

How to Successfully Sell a Winter Home: 4 Tips

Depending on how the season fares for you, you may not have to do anything special to ensure your home sells during the winter. However, these tips may help you sell your residence faster than you could’ve predicted.

1. Show Off Upgrades

Winter is one of the best times to boast about how energy-efficient your house is. Potential buyers will want to know they can stay safe and warm through the coldest winters and hottest summers, and now is the opportunity to show off the upgrades you’re proud of. 

For example, new windows are often energy efficient and can muffle outside sounds, leaving you with a serene environment. Potential buyers want a comfortable home they can see themselves living in.

2. Clear Your Walkways

Winter can be an unpredictable season. You might encounter fallen leaves or snow and ice in your driveway. While you might be used to sweeping the elements aside, you shouldn’t assume everyone can. Make sure to keep your walkways clear so people can navigate with ease.

3. Listen to the Pros

Rely on your real estate agent’s professional advice, and determine what kind will work best for you. Full-service listing agents can sell properties a few weeks quicker than flat-fee broker arrangements. Your agent can help you optimize online listings and pinpoint potential buyers and connections you may have never found otherwise.

4. Lean Into Festivities

Winter is typically the season people associate with the holidays since there are so many in such a short period. Whatever you celebrate, make sure you decorate for the season. You don’t have to go overboard, but many people would love to see the decorative possibilities.

Is Selling a Home in Winter Worth It?

Selling your home during the busiest season of the year is worth the potential additional stress. Working with a real estate agent can help you sell your home faster and get into your new place before the new year. Potential homebuyers are typically serious, so you’ll likely have it off your hands quicker than expected. You just may need to take on a bit of extra work to make it happen.

Evelyn Long is a home living writer with specialties in real estate and home design. She is the editor-in-chief of Renovated and has written for many different sites like National Association of Realtors, Eppraisal, and Build.