Spring is often considered the best time of year to sell. Families can find their dream house, make their purchase, and move in all before the new school year starts. But there are perks for home buyers and sellers who decide to list at the end of the year.

Perks for Sellers
Since most sellers wait until spring to list their home, there are typically fewer homes available for sale over the winter holidays, which means less competition. If sellers price their home competitively and stage it right, they can make their house stand out from the sparse crowd, catching the attention of more buyers.

When You're Selling…
You can still celebrate the holidays but keep it simple. Instead of hosting a large party, invite a few family members and friends for a quiet dinner in, or head to a restaurant to keep your kitchen tidy and open-house ready. When decorating, remember that not everyone celebrates the same holidays in the same way. Stick to more neutral decorations that transcend any religious event like candles and winter flowers such as paperwhites and poinsettias. Whatever decorations you use, keep them to a minimum so your house remains the center of attention.

Perks for Buyers
Despite the limited selection, buyers can also benefit from purchasing over the winter holiday season. Often a homeowner will put their house on the market in winter because they can't or won't wait until spring—that is, they need an immediate sale. Buyers who purchase during the winter holidays might find sellers more willing to negotiate on price or contract terms.

When You're Buying…
Buying a house is stressful enough without the added pressure of celebrating a family holiday at the same time. To enjoy the season, prepare for your purchase in advance. Before you start your home search, figure out what type of home you want and where it should be located. Decide on a budget and get preapproved for a mortgage. And don't RSVP "yes" to every party invitation you receive; you will need to keep some time available for viewing homes with your agent.