Selling your home as the end of the year approaches is actually a good idea, but you need to have the right strategy in place.

The holidays will be here before you know it and it’s vital that you put your plan of action into play now, to ensure that you get the best results for yourself 60 and 90 days into the future as you work through the process of your move.

This week we're giving you the ins and outs on what to do, what not to do, what to expect and what not to expect as you contemplate selling (and maybe even sell) your home over the last 100-plus days of the year.

As always, there’s no brain surgery involved…but there are solid ideas, processes and strategies you need to follow if you want the best results for you and your family.

The fourth quarter of the year can cause some sellers to worry if their home hasn't sold yet. But according to Trulia.com, there is still time to sell.

Typically, many buyers want to move and get situated before the actual end of the year and holidays are here, but that shouldn’t give you pause. Yes, the spring is considered a prime time to sell; however, there is still time to sell your home whether you live in a cold or warm climate.

Overall, there are some important factors that may help you get your home sold: 1) remember that the number of buyers may be reduced as we head closer to the holidays; 2) there are always serious buyers looking during the holiday season, especially if they're out looking at homes in dreary weather or nearing the holidays.

Knowing this, be sure to make the most of every showing; don't get lazy with the upkeep of your home despite the fact that you are juggling selling a home, working, or taking care of the kids. Getting your home sold in the fourth quarter must be a priority (with the goal being to sell sooner, rather than later, in the quarter).

Next, look at the rates of sales activity in your market to determine how long to keep your home listed through the holidays. Some areas may not be hot, but that doesn't mean there's little chance of selling. Some people may even have to purchase before the end of the year to meet their tax guidelines.

Also, staging your home well is also vital. The fourth-quarter sale requires a good strategy like using an expert stager where you can decorate for the holidays, but don’t overdo it so as to turn prospective buyers off when they see your home. With a reduced number of buyers seeing your home, make the most of each showing by having a well-staged and clutter-free house to show off. In any market, proper staging strategies provide a competitive advantage.

Lastly, the fourth quarter can see more buyers because interest rates remain historically low. The impending threat of a rise in mortgage rates could have more buyers willing to lock into an exceptional rate, despite that it means making a move during the holidays.

A more serious pool of buyers coupled with stronger interest rates and less competition makes the end of the year a great time to sell. Please contact us if you have any questions about your specific situation.