The winter holiday season can be a great time to market and sell your home. Like everything else, homes become more attractive during the holidays, and sellers ready to put in the effort can make big returns on investment. Selling during the holidays may be a little more time consuming than at other times in the year, but proper planning can minimize stress, and even add a bit of festivity over the season.

Many sellers take their homes off the market for Christmas and New Year's to protect themselves from having to sell at a lower price. This is also the time many sellers take a break and try to forget about real estate marketing, while enjoying time with family and friends. What sellers don't realize is that those things don't have to be sacrificed in a successful holiday sale for top market value. Real estate agents and buyers are happy to schedule around parties and family gatherings at this time of the year, and limited open house times will encourage prospective buyers to show up when they have the chance.

The holidays are also a good excuse to make your home a little more attractive for buyers. A couple methods for adding flair without making things gaudy might include positioning a basket of candy canes near the door, playing holiday background music, and adding simple light displays to window areas. Christmas trees, wrapped presents, candles, and a wreath on the door can also add a nice touch, although these decorative elements should be kept minimal and elegant. The idea is to show how nice your home can be for Christmas, and let buyers imagine how they might make the place their own next holiday season.

The best part about selling during the holidays is that you'll have less competition. While other sellers who took their homes off the market are over-shopping and eating chocolate, you'll be keeping the most attractive home on the block, and enjoying a prominent spot among local real estate listings.