It’s the most wonderful time of the year – time to sing along to holiday favorites, hunt for the perfect gift, deck the halls and don your worst apparel for ugly sweater parties. But after stringing the lights and hanging the ornaments, there’s still time to put up the for-sale sign in your front yard. If you’re thinking about trying to sell your home, here are a few reasons to consider taking the plunge during the holiday season:

Less competition. Typically, fewer properties are on the market and fewer buyers are looking for a new home, so your property might draw more interest than it would when buyers flood the market during the busy spring and summer. With little competition, the holiday season offers a chance for your home to emerge as the best option available to buyers who may be striving to close on a home by the end of the year.

Motivated buyers. Let’s face it, most people don’t decide to move around the holidays without a good reason, such as a new job, transfer or new marriage, making buyers more motivated to find a home quickly. And with fewer properties available, buyers may be more likely to make a reasonable offer.

Faster closings. With the end of the year approaching, everyone involved in a holiday real estate transaction is eager to wrap up the process before the new year. Buyers who need to relocate for a job hope to get settled in their new home and agents and brokers want to add their commission to the current year’s income, resulting in a speedy closing.

Holiday cheer boosts curb appeal. Bake some cookies and decorate your home to create a festive, cozy ambiance that puts house hunters in a jolly mood. But resist the urge to go overboard – make sure the decorations are tasteful and don’t take up too much space.

Tax advantages. Tax and financial benefits can spur many people, including first-time buyers, to purchase a home before year’s end. Property taxes and some closing costs are tax-deductible, benefiting buyers come tax season the following year.

If you’re thinking about selling your home this holiday season, choose an experienced local agent who has the resources and tools to sell your home quickly at the best possible price, giving you plenty to celebrate when you ring in the new year. Get started today by contacting an independent Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties sales associate.