By Korey Welch, Owner of Boom Realty 

and Senior Mortgage Broker, Loan Factory

Selling your home during the holidays might sound as appealing as wrapping gifts with one hand tied behind your back, but with a little sparkle and strategy, you can turn it into a festive success story. The secret? Embrace the season, stay smart, and sprinkle a little magic where it counts.

1. Don’t get snowed by your real estate agent (seriously – this comes first!)

Before you deck a single hall, make sure you’re not getting taken for a sleigh ride by your listing agent. With the recent NAR settlement changes, many agents are now charging upward of 3% just to list your home – and that doesn’t even include paying a buyer’s agent. For a $500,000 home, that’s $15,000 gone before the snow melts.

But you don’t have to play that game.

I charge a 1% listing commission, period. That means you keep more of your hard-earned equity, whether you’re selling a cozy Cape or, like a recent client, a $2.8-million property that saved the seller $56,000 in listing fees alone. During the holidays, when every dollar counts and stress levels already run high, the last thing you need is an agent stuffing their stockings with your money.
Choose an honest, experienced broker who works for you, not for their commission check.

2. Deck the halls – but don’t deck out the buyers

Yes, it’s tempting to transform your living room into Santa’s workshop, but remember: buyers need to see the home, not your collection of singing reindeer. A wreath on the door? Lovely. A tasteful tree? Perfect. But the 12-foot inflatable snow globe on the lawn? Maybe skip it this year. Think cozy and classic, like a Hallmark movie before the snowstorm hits.

3. Keep it cozy, not cluttered

Winter gives you the advantage of leaning into warmth and comfort. Light the fireplace (if you have one), drape a soft throw over the couch, and bake something that makes the house smell like cinnamon and nostalgia. But resist the urge to stack gifts in every corner or leave wrapping paper explosions mid-project. Buyers love “homey,” not “holiday hurricane.”

4. Let there be light (and lots of it)

Winter means shorter days, so lighting is your best friend. Open curtains wide, turn on every lamp, and swap dim bulbs for bright, warm ones. The goal is to make your home feel sunny and inviting, even if it’s dark and snowing outside. Bonus: Twinkle lights can make even the gloomiest day feel a little bit magical.

5. Price it right, wrap it tight

Holiday buyers tend to be serious shoppers, they’re not casually browsing between cookie swaps. That means if they’re looking now, they really need a home. Work with your real estate agent to price your property realistically and competitively. Think of it as wrapping the perfect present: Neat, appealing, and just the right size to make someone smile.

6. Keep showings flexible (and your schedule merry)

Between office parties, school concerts, and last-minute shopping, your calendar might look like a fruitcake – dense and packed. Still, try to stay flexible for potential buyers. Keep your home “show-ready” so you can accommodate last-minute visits. A buyer who wants to see your home on December 23 might just be ready to make an offer by New Year’s.

7. Showcase your home’s best winter features

Does your house stay toasty even when the wind howls? Do you have energy-efficient windows, radiant heat floors, or a spacious mudroom for snowy boots? Highlight those! Winter buyers will appreciate a home that’s as practical as it is pretty.

8. Spread some goodwill (and curb appeal)

Even if your driveway is blanketed in snow, make sure it’s clear, salted, and welcoming. Add a festive touch with a simple wreath, a lantern, or a cheerful doormat. You want buyers to feel that “coming home” warmth from the curb before they even open the door.

9. Keep your spirits bright

Selling during the holidays might take a little extra patience, but remember, magic happens this time of year. Somewhere out there is a buyer who’ll fall in love with your home, garland and all. Keep the cocoa hot, your heart light, and your listing sparkling.

After all, who says you can’t wrap up the year with the best gift of all – a sold sign on your lawn and a fresh start for the new year?

Choosing a senior housing option is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of personal preferences, health needs, and financial factors. As a 25-year veteran of both the mortgage and real estate industries, I understand the complexities involved in making these transitions. My goal is to help individuals and families make informed decisions that promote quality of life, independence, and peace of mind throughout the aging journey.

If you’re considering selling a home as part of this process, I offer professional real estate services at a listing commission of just 1% – a structure that can save sellers tens of thousands of dollars. I’m here to help every step of the way.

Korey Welch, Owner of Boom Realty and Senior Mortgage Broker (NMLS: 14991) with Loan Factory (NMLS: 320841), is a licensed mortgage broker/real estate broker based in Rockland. For more than two decades, Korey has been helping seniors determine the best fit. For a complimentary consultation, contact him at korey@koreywelch.com, 781-367-3351.

If you have questions about building an ADU, navigating local zoning, or how it might affect your property value, I’m always happy to help. As a 25-year veteran of the real estate and mortgage business, I bring deep experience and a personal touch to every conversation.