Can you believe another year has passed already? That went fast! It’s been a great one for The Henry Wong Team®, and we look back with a mixture of gratitude and pride. We made some incredible property sales, but more importantly, we’ve helped many people successfully move onto the next stage in their lives. That’s the most rewarding thing for us!
There’s always a unique rhythm to the real estate market at this time of year. As Australia takes a bit of a break and most people are on holiday or enjoying family time, December takes on a traditional trend of quietness. What does this mean for sellers and buyers at this time of year? Are there challenges or hidden opportunities? What about insights into the year ahead? Let’s take a look!
The Seasonal Slowdown
Sure, the Christmas period is seen as one of the quieter ones in real estate. House-hunting and selling takes a back seat, open-homes aren’t as well attended, and in fact some sellers hold off until January to go to market.
This doesn’t mean there’s no opportunity though. There may be fewer buyers around, but the ones that are there will be motivated and looking to move on their purchase before work rolls around in the new year. What’s more, if you’re a seller the fact that there are fewer listings on the market could benefit you – it’s easy for your home to stand out. We love giving our sellers tips on how to get their homes ready for sale, so don’t hesitate getting in touch if you need guidance there!
What will January bring?
As Australia moves out of holiday mode, January brings the opportunity for a fresh start and a clean slate. All the distractions of the festive season are out of the way, and people can focus on their big life decisions. Many in the industry, from agents to sellers and buyers, see December as a chance to prepare for the busy months ahead, and those kick off in January.
Sellers who have held off over December will list their homes, which together with renewed buyers interest injects a flurry of activity into the market. Families who have reflected on their past year throughout December will have made decisions on what the near future needs to bring, and that sees many of them entering the market as buyers or sellers, or both.
Tips for Selling Your Home Over Christmas
If you want to try your hand in the December market and see what it holds for your listing, there are a few things you can do to elevate your property above the competition:
- Create a warm and inviting atmosphere: ‘Tis the season for family gatherings, so ensure your home is as cosy and welcoming as possible for home opens. Light a fire, play soothing music, and consider holding the home opens in the evening.
- Subtly embrace festive styling: Some tasteful Christmas touches will make your home feel warm and welcoming. Just be careful not to overdo it, as you don’t want it to feel tacky.
- Highlight outdoor spaces: It’s summer, it’s hot and it rains a lot. Your outdoor patios, verandahs and alfresco dining areas are heavily used at this time of year, so make sure they feature in your marketing.
- Use professional marketing material: Find a photographer who knows how to use summer light to make your home stand out. Poor photos don’t paint your home in the best light, and can give the wrong impression to buyers.
- Choose your real estate agent well: This rings true at any time of the year! You want an agent who can get more buyers to your home than the average agent. They must have a large network of buyers and colleagues across Australia and internationally to leverage. A large and engaged social media following is also a game changer, and be sure to check out their track record too!
Happy Holidays from The Henry Wong Team®
The festive season has officially arrived! We want to take a quick moment to express our gratitude and warm wishes to you, your families and your friends here at the end of 2024. You deserve holidays and downtime full of joy and laughter, creating unforgettable memories with those you love!
To everyone who has supported us this year, you’re an integral part of The Henry Wong Team® family. Your friendship means the world to us and keeps us going, so we thank you for it. Because of you, this has been a year to remember, and we’re delighted you were part of the journey.
Looking ahead to 2025, we’re excited about what the year holds and can’t wait to catch up with you at some point during it. If you’re thinking about your next move, whether it’s buying, selling, or simply exploring your options, know that we’re always here to guide you every step of the way.
Here’s to a prosperous New Year and a holiday season filled with love, happiness, and all the magic of Christmas!
