Traditionally, realtors have believed the season between Thanksgiving and New Year is not the most wonderful time of the year for those eager to sell their homes. Many homeowners typically delay listing their properties until January or even take them off the market for the holiday season. With mobile apps that’s all changed!! Today’s buyers can continue their home searches in the midst of holiday festivities with the help of the internet.
Contrary to popular belief, sellers who weather the real estate market during the holiday season may enjoy several advantages. Less Competition!!
If you are facing a holiday season with your home on the market, I want to share with you some tips!!
Decorations should accent – but not overwhelm – your property
OK, so I may not be so good at that when I decorate but I’m not listing my home. Remember that your home is the centerpiece, so any decorations should merely complement the property rather than dominate buyers’ focus. I would never put out wrapped gifts, but put out some nicely wrapped boxes putting yours safely away!
Keep the interior charming and bright
The holiday season is a rich sensory experience, full of sights, sounds, and smells that induce feelings of comfort and nostalgia. Keep the temperature inside your home warm enough that visitors will be comfortable, open the blinds, and turn on plenty of lights to counteract the season’s dark and chilly days. Consider placing a few flameless candles around your home in order to foster a cozy vibe and baking cookies in advance of a showing so that an inviting aroma lingers.
Stay on top of yard maintenance
We’re lucky that in Southern California, we don’t face the same obstacles as other parts of the country…My yard thrives at this time of the year so it’s really a matter of keeping the lawn green and mowed. If you don’t have a gardener, it may be a good idea to just hire one for a good clean up. Have him plant some flowers that will grow through the holiday season!
Showcase how your home looks in other seasonsOK….so I posted this photo of my house during a boutique….But you should provide photos from all seasons in your listing materials or in a photo album or slideshow that you have available when buyers come to view the property.
The bottom line is just because your home is on the market does not mean you can’t enjoy the Holiday Season….
Simplify but be Merry!
Your buyer may be just around the corner!!!