Seasons change — and so do real estate trends.
As the market moves into its slower months, real estate agents need to be more strategic than ever. According to the National Association of Realtors, the fall and winter seasons see a dip in activity, but that doesn’t mean opportunities disappear. In fact, the right adjustments to your marketing and photography approach can make all the difference.
Staying ahead during the colder months requires flexibility, creativity, and a focus on showcasing what makes the property shine — no matter the season.
Here, we outline 7 actionable tips for you to leverage and keep the momentum going and close deals, even during the market’s quietest time.
Tip #1: Track Local Market Trends and Plan Ahead
This might feel obvious, but it’s a reminder: Track local market trends. Buyer activity shifts with the seasons, so you must understand when they’re most likely to engage. Utilize tools like MLS data and Google Trends to help you stay informed and ahead of the seasonal shifts.
Obviously, spring and summer might be the best time for open houses. But it takes more than open houses to sell. Use virtual tours to keep buyers interested during the winter months. And match the tone of the weather — if it’s cold outside, make it feel cozy inside. Think of each season as an opportunity to show the property in its finest form.
Actionable Tips:
- Review MLS Data: Identify when homes in your area sell the fastest, and time your listings to match those peaks.
- Set Google Alerts: Track keywords like “home buying” to monitor when interest picks up in your region.
- Plan Your Marketing: Use the data to schedule open houses, virtual tours, and marketing campaigns before buyer interest rises.
Tip #2: Leverage Seasonal Buyer Motivations
Buyer motivations change with the seasons, and your messaging needs to reflect that. Families looking to move during the summer school break have different priorities than empty-nesters downsizing in the fall.
Highlight the features that matter most in each season — whether it’s proximity to good schools in the spring or cozy interiors during colder months. Aligning your strategy with buyer motivations makes your listings stand out when it counts. You might be able to time it with changing interest rates, as well.
If you can meet a buyer where they are, you might be surprised how quickly you’ll sell.
Actionable Tips:
- Target Families in Spring: Highlight homes near schools and parks, as families often plan their moves before summer.
- Emphasize Comfort in Winter: Showcase homes with fireplaces, energy efficiency, or indoor amenities to attract winter buyers.
- Appeal to Downsizers in Fall: Focus on low-maintenance properties or homes with accessible features that appeal to downsizers before the holiday season.
Tip #3: Create a Cozy Atmosphere in Fall and Winter
When temperatures drop, buyers are drawn to warmth and comfort. It’s human nature!
Use photography to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere in fall and winter by focusing on features like fireplaces, warm lighting, and snug interiors. If you’re in a snowy region, don’t shy away from outdoor shots.
Remember, a snow-covered home creates a picturesque, winter wonderland vibe that highlights the charm of the season. Presenting your property in an endearing way might be exactly what puts you ahead of other listings. Plus, home prices tend to be about 5% lower in the fall and winter, so you can tap this real opportunity if done right.
“Although there are fewer buyers in the market, these are serious buyers actively seeking to purchase a property and are usually ready and able to commit when they find the right property.”
–National Association of Realtors
Actionable Tips:
- Highlight Fireplaces and Cozy Spots: Make sure your photos feature fireplaces, plush furniture, and other elements that evoke warmth.
- Use Warm Lighting: Opt for soft, warm lighting in photos to make interiors feel inviting and comfortable during the colder months.
- Capture Snow-Covered Exteriors: In snowy areas, use the snow to your advantage by showing homes as part of a scenic winter landscape.
Pro Tip: Bundle HomeJab’s landscaping and cleaning services together to get your property in the best selling shape possible!
Tip #4: Refresh Listings and Social Media with Seasonal Content
A stale listing isn’t just useless — but it can actively hurt your marketing. Poor photography, bad descriptions, outdated features might turn a potential buyer so badly that they’ll never consider the property again.
Refreshing your listings with seasonally appropriate content can breathe new life into them. Update your photos to reflect the current season—whether it’s a sunny backyard in summer or a cozy living room in winter.
On social media, mix in both horizontal and vertical videos to keep your content dynamic and ready for platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Highlight the features that resonate with buyers in that particular season.
Actionable Tips:
- Update Photos Regularly: Swap out older photos for new ones that reflect the current season. This gives your listing a fresh look.
- Use Both Video Formats: Post both horizontal and vertical videos to suit different social media platforms and reach a wider audience.
- Highlight Seasonal Features: Focus on key features that stand out in each season — lush gardens in summer, cozy interiors in winter.
Tip #5: Time Promotions and Open Houses with Seasonal Events
Timing is everything.
Hosting open houses before major holidays or using seasonal décor like pumpkins and wreaths can create a welcoming atmosphere. Take advantage of the natural excitement around events like Halloween, Thanksgiving, or the spring holidays to make your listings more inviting and memorable.
This strategy not only attracts buyers but also makes your properties stand out during key moments of the year. It’s nice for buyers to imagine themselves sitting down for a holiday dinner or playing with kids in the snow. It’s all about that emotional connection.
Actionable Tips:
- Schedule Open Houses Around Holidays: Plan open houses just before major holidays when people are already out and about.
- Use Seasonal Staging: Incorporate subtle seasonal décor to create a warm and festive atmosphere that appeals to buyers.
- Promote Holiday-Ready Homes: Highlight features that make homes perfect for entertaining or hosting during the holidays.
Tip #6: Offer Virtual Tours During the Winter and Off-Seasons
When the weather isn’t on your side, virtual tours become your best asset. Buyer activity tends to slow down in winter or off-seasons, but you can still keep potential buyers engaged by offering immersive virtual tours.
These 3D walkthroughs allow buyers to explore properties without braving the cold or traveling long distances. It’s a smart way to attract out-of-town buyers or anyone who prefers the convenience of remote viewing.
Actionable Tips:
- Create 3D Walkthroughs: Invest in high-quality virtual tours to give buyers a detailed look at the property from their own homes.
- Promote Remote Viewing: Highlight the convenience of virtual tours in your listings, especially during slower seasons.
- Target Out-of-Town Buyers: Use virtual tours to attract buyers who may be relocating and can’t easily visit in person.
Tip #7: Use Drone Photography to Capture Seasonal Features
Drone photography offers a unique way to capture the full beauty of a property’s surroundings, especially as the seasons change. Aerial shots can showcase everything from vibrant spring blooms to lush summer landscapes or colorful fall foliage.
This bird’s-eye view highlights the property and creates an emotional connection with potential buyers by showing them the full seasonal appeal of the area. Show that property off!
Actionable Tips:
- Capture Seasonal Changes: Use drone photography to highlight key seasonal features like blooming gardens or vibrant autumn leaves.
- Showcase the Entire Property: Give buyers a full perspective of the home’s exterior and surrounding areas with sweeping aerial views.
- Incorporate Drone Footage in Listings: Add drone videos to online listings and social media to create more engaging content that stands out.
Mastering the Real Estate Market, No Matter the Season
Success in real estate hinges on adaptability. As the landscape shifts with each season, those who stay nimble — adjusting their strategies and using every tool at their disposal — are the ones who thrive. It’s about more than keeping up. It’s about anticipating changes and staying a step ahead, showcasing properties in their best light, regardless of the time of year.
HomeJab: Your Real Estate Visual Partner
To truly stay ahead, you need a partner who understands the nuances of real estate marketing and photography. At HomeJab, we provide the expertise and tools, no matter what season lies ahead. Let’s keep properties front and center, even in the slowest months.
Contact HomeJab today and take the next step in elevating your listings. Reach out today!
