The weeks right after the holidays are one of the most overlooked selling windows of the year. I see it every January. Many sellers wait until spring, assuming buyers are dormant. In reality, serious buyers are already back online, motivated, and paying close attention.
If selling is on your radar this year, what you do immediately after the holidays can set the tone for your entire sale.
Start With Pricing That Reflects Today’s Market
The biggest mistake I see post-holiday sellers make is pricing based on last year’s headlines or a neighbor’s sale from months ago. The market resets quickly in January.
I always price based on current closings, active competition, and buyer behavior right now. Correct pricing creates urgency. Urgency creates leverage. That is how you avoid long days on market and price reductions.
Remove Holiday Decor and Fully Reset the Space
Beata Mandell, Boutique Condo Specialist, says, “Once the holidays are over, decorations need to come down completely. Half-packed boxes, lingering garlands, or seasonal clutter make buyers feel like the home is in transition. I advise sellers to depersonalize aggressively. Neutral spaces allow buyers to project their own lives into the home. This matters even more in condos and high-rise residences, where visual flow and openness drive emotional response.”
Deep Clean Like You Are Preparing for Photos
Post-holiday homes almost always need a reset. Guests, parties, and travel leave subtle wear that buyers notice immediately.
A professional deep clean is non-negotiable. I also recommend touching up paint in high-traffic areas, refreshing worn rugs, and addressing anything that feels tired. Buyers equate cleanliness with care.
Focus on Staging and Presentation Early
Buyers are scrolling listings before they ever book a showing. That means your home has to look exceptional online.
I focus on clean lines, intentional furniture placement, and professional photography that highlights light, layout, and views. Especially in condos, staging is about showing how the space lives, not how much furniture fits.
Tap Into the New Year Mindset
January buyers are often motivated by change. New job. New goals. New lifestyle.
I position listings as part of that reset. Updated kitchens, refreshed finishes, smart layouts, or strong locations all support the idea of a fresh start. Buyers respond to that narrative when it is done authentically.
Be Prepared to Negotiate Strategically
The early-year market rewards sellers who are prepared, not stubborn. Flexibility on terms, timelines, or credits can strengthen your final outcome when used intentionally.
I guide my clients on where to hold firm and where smart concessions protect net value. The goal is not to win a negotiation on paper. The goal is to close cleanly and at the right price.
Why Selling After the Holidays Works
Inventory is often lower in early January, which means less competition. Buyers who are active now tend to be decisive and well-qualified.
You do not need to wait for spring to sell successfully. With the right preparation and strategy, the post-holiday window can be one of the most effective times to list.
If you are considering selling a condo or high-rise residence this year, planning early makes all the difference. Timing, presentation, and pricing are what separate listings that linger from those that move confidently into contract.