Selling During the Holidays: How to Prepare Your Home Now for a Successful January Listing

By Linda Giordano, Associate Broker, Patriot Real Properties

631.579.1991

Linda@PatriotKeys.com

The holiday season is here….twinkling lights, warm gatherings, and the welcome slowdown that winter brings. But for many homeowners, this time of year also raises a difficult question:

“Should I wait until after the holidays to sell, or do I have to move now?”

Whether you’re preparing for a January launch or facing a life event that requires selling during the holiday season, you are not alone. Every year, thousands of homeowners list their homes in December and January due to job changes, divorce, financial shifts, downsizing, or the passing of a loved one. These are real life moments, and the real estate market makes room for them.

And here’s the truth:

Homes do sell during the holidays, and often faster than you think!

According to the National Association of REALTORS®:

• Homes listed in December and January spend 17% less time on the market than homes listed in the early fall.

• Buyers shopping during the holidays are far more serious, they’re motivated, pre-approved, and often under time pressure.

• Because inventory drops by 20–30% during the holiday season, your home faces far less competition, giving you a strategic advantage.

If you’re thinking about selling, or preparing ahead for a January launch, here’s how to make the most of the season.

Create Holiday Warmth Without Overwhelming the Space

Buyers love homes that feel inviting. Soft decorations, warm lighting, and a seasonal scent like pine or vanilla can create an emotional connection.

Just remember: keep it minimal.

• Choose décor that complements your home’s style.

• Avoid oversized trees or cluttered mantles.

• Keep surfaces, floors, and sightlines as open as possible.

Your buyer should feel the season….not your storage unit!!

Winter Clean Like a Spring Clean: Deep, Bright, and Fresh

Holiday gatherings often mean busy kitchens and full living rooms. If you plan to list in January, December is the perfect time to get ahead of the prep work.

Professionally clean carpets and area rugs

Wash windows inside and out

Replace any burnt-out bulbs

Clean baseboards, vents, and ceiling fans

Touch up scuffs on walls and doors

A fresh, bright, clean home photographs beautifully even in winter light.

Take Advantage of Holiday Curb Appeal

A blanket of snow or crisp winter air can give your home a charming, cozy appeal if prepared properly.

Clear leaves, branches, and debris

Add a simple wreath or cold-weather potted plant

Keep walkways, driveways, and stairs salted and safe

Buyers should feel welcomed the moment they pull up.

Prepare for a January Launch: The Market Is Strong

If you’re targeting January, you’re actually hitting a sweet spot.

Here’s why:

Buyer search activity jumps 40% the first week of January (according to Realtor.com)

Families looking to move before the next school year start early

Corporate relocations often occur in January and February

Inventory is still low on Long Island, giving sellers an added advantage

Getting your photos, staging, and marketing ready in December means you’ll hit the market ahead of the rush, without sacrificing your holiday season.

If You Need to List Now, You Can Still Win

Not everyone can wait for January. Life happens; divorce, death, job relocation, downsizing, or financial pressure.

If you must sell during the holidays, here’s the good news: a motivated buyer is far more valuable than a larger number of browsers.

Holiday buyers tend to:

Make stronger offers

Move faster

Have fewer contingencies

Be more flexible with terms

As long as your home is priced correctly and presented well, you can achieve an excellent result.

And with proper marketing, highlighting lifestyle, warmth, and seasonal charm, your home can really stand out.

Lean on a Professional Who Understands Both Market Timing and Human Timing

Selling during the holidays isn’t just about market strategy, it’s about people. It’s about understanding what a family is going through, what a transition means, and how to support them through it.

At Patriot Real Properties, we’ve guided countless families through winter sales with success and heart. Whether you’re preparing for a big January debut or navigating a sudden change, I’m here to walk you through every step.

Thinking of selling your home? Let’s create a plan that works for your timeline….and your life.

Call or text me anytime: 631.579.1991

Email: Linda@PatriotKeys.com

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