Selling Your Home During the Holidays in Tupelo: What I Tell My Sellers
By Chance Beck, REALTOR® | TM Realtors. Serving Tupelo and Northeast Mississippi since 2012.
Every year around this time, homeowners ask me the same question: "Should I list now, or wait until spring?" There's no one right answer. It depends on your timeline, your home, and what you'd be competing against. Here's how I help sellers think it through, and what to plan for if you decide to sell during the holidays.
Should you list now or wait until spring?
If you need to move soon because of a new job, a growing family, or a home you've already found, waiting may cost you more than it saves. If your timeline is flexible, spring gives you more time to prepare. Some sellers take their homes off the market for the holidays, which can mean less competition for the homes that stay listed. Whether that's true right now depends on current inventory in your price range and part of town, so that's the first thing I check before giving you a recommendation.
Who's looking this time of year
People who take time to tour homes in late November and December often have a reason to move on a schedule: a job transfer, a lease ending, or a change in family plans. That can make for focused showings. You may see fewer casual lookers, and that isn't a bad thing.
Decorate, but keep it simple
A few tasteful decorations can make a home feel warm. Too many can crowd a room or hide its best features, so pick a few favorites and leave the rest in storage. One practical tip: if you're listing now, think about your photos. Pictures full of holiday décor can look dated by February if the home is still on the market. If you can, schedule the photo shoot before the decorations go up, or keep them minimal for the shoot.
Make showings work around your plans
The holidays are busy, and that's okay. Tell me which days are off limits for family gatherings or travel, and we'll set showing windows that work for you. If you'll be out of town, plan ahead for things like thermostat settings, lights, and who will check on the house. Keeping the home show ready during a busy season is easier with a plan than with last minute scrambling.
Get ahead of winter weather and short days
It gets dark early this time of year, so many buyers will see your home in the evening. Leave exterior lights on, keep walkways and the entry clean and well lit, and set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature before showings. If a cold snap is in the forecast, take normal precautions to protect your pipes. For a fuller seasonal checklist, see my winter home maintenance tips.
Plan ahead for closing dates
Lenders, attorneys, title companies, and county offices observe holiday closures, and many people take time off at the end of the year. That doesn't stop a sale, but it's smart to leave a little extra room in the timeline and talk through closing and moving dates early. Being flexible on your move out date can also make your home more appealing to a buyer. If you're curious what you'd walk away with at closing, here's my guide to what it costs to sell a house in Tupelo.
If you'd rather wait until spring
Waiting can be a great choice, and the holidays are a good time to get ready without pressure. Make a short list of repairs, start decluttering a room at a time, and gather your paperwork. My checklist of 7 things to do before you list your home in Tupelo walks through each step.
Let's talk about your timing
Whether you're thinking about listing next week or next spring, I'm happy to help you weigh your options. I can start with a home value estimate based on recent comparable sales, then we can talk through timing for Tupelo, Saltillo, or anywhere in Lee County. Reach out to me here, and let's figure out what makes the most sense for you.
This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Every sale is different, so talk with the appropriate professional about your specific situation.