Written by Donna Fulscado

In the Springtime, buyers are more apt to dedicate time for a home search. However, the winter months and holiday seasons hold benefits too . . .

1.  Lower Housing Inventory

Conventional wisdom says you should wait until the spring to get the most from a home sale. After all, there are generally more buyers in the spring with warmer weather. More competition can lead to price wars, and homes can sell faster and for higher prices than during the winter.

Buyers are still shopping at other times of the year. In fact, the supply of homes listed around the holidays tends to be lower, meaning sellers have less competition.

Many sellers don't want to list their houses just before or during the holidays. Some do not want the added stress of home selling as they enjoy the holidays with family. Others don't want people tracking in snow or dirt during showings.

As a result, serious buyers won't have as many homes from which to choose, so there's more time for them to focus on yours. Furthermore, the limited range of options available to buyers means you may be able to command a higher price.

2.  More Serious Buyers

Most open houses take place during the spring and early summer. Many people saunter into a property without a clear plan to buy. People often check out homes just for the sake of looking like a pastime.

But if your house is up for sale in the winter and someone is looking at it, chances are that the person is serious and ready to buy. Anyone shopping for a new home between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is likely going to be a serious buyer. Putting your home on the market at this time of year and attracting a serious buyer can often result in a quicker sale.

3.  That Warm And Cozy Feeling

The holidays are often a time when people gather around fireplaces, drink hot chocolate, and bake cakes and cookies. Homeowners who put their houses up for sale during the winter months can take advantage of these traditions as they houses. You can leverage holiday decorations for both curb appeal and to create a cozy interior.

Some people may argue that showing a house in the winter is difficult because of dreary weather. But turning the heat up, having a yummy treat in the oven, and keeping the sidewalk and driveway clear of snow and ice can boost a home’s appeal.Buyers also tend to be more emotional during the holidays and may be more likely to make decisions based on their feelings.

4.  Festive Neighborhoods Are Inviting

One of the staples of the holiday months is that many people adorn their homes with festive lights and decorations. That is also true of local communities where lights, wreaths, and other holiday decorations can add charm.

People purchasing a home during that time may see the neighborhood as festive and cheerful. So they may be more willing to consider an area that they would want to live.

5.  Year-End Job Transfers

The end of the year is typically the time when people get notified, they will be moving because of a job transfer. Perhaps an offer comes through from another company that's just too good to pass up.

These people are going to need a home sooner rather than later and, as a result, they'll be hunting for a new home during the holidays. These buyers can’t wait for spring, which is one reason why listing during the holidays can get the home sold more quickly.

6.  End-of-Year Tax Breaks

Reducing the property tax bill may not be the main reason buyers purchase a new home, but it could be why serious buyers make a move during the holidays. That’s because buyers can deduct the mortgage interest, property taxes, and interest costs of the loan if a sale closes on or before December 31.

Recent tax laws limit the deduction, but the tax benefits could still prompt a buyer to move during the holidays instead of waiting until spring.