The holidays may not be the ideal time to sell a home, but there are a few advantages. Buyers shopping for homes during this time of year tend to be more serious, and there may be fewer homes on the market so there's less competition. If you need to sell your home during the holidays, Frontdoor.com offers several tips to attract buyers during this busy season.

Don't go overboard on holiday decorations. Large decorations can make your home seem smaller and they can distract buyers. If you choose to decorate, opt for fewer and smaller items with a general winter theme.

Hire a reliable real estate agent. Ask family and friends to recommend a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) REALTOR® who will work hard for you and be available during the holidays.

Seek motivated buyers. Any person shopping for a home during the holidays must be highly motivated. Target buyers who need to move soon, such as people relocating for jobs, college students and university staff on break, and investors on tax deadlines.

Price the property to sell. No matter what time of year it is, a home that's priced appropriately for the market will attract buyers.

Pay attention to curb appeal. Maintaining your home's exterior is just as important in the winter as it is during any other season. Touch up the paint, clean the gutters and spruce up the yard. Also keep buyers' safety in mind by keeping stairs and walkways clear of snow, ice or leaves.

Use high-quality photos and/or a virtual tour to market your home on the Web. Homebuyers are likely to start their home search on the Internet, so these tools can help buyers who may not have time to visit your home in person.

Make your home cozy and inviting. When showing your home, crank up the heat, play soft music and offer homemade holiday treats. It will encourage buyers to spend more time in the home, which gives them a chance to admire its best features.