Selling Your House During The Holidays
I was with family and friends the other day at social event and during a conversation they asked what I thought of about selling your home over the Holidays. They know I am always looking to buy and sell homes. My initial reaction was that it is always a good time to buy and sell. However, the Holiday period which can be considered to be November through the beginning and January may have additional challenges and rewards. We then discussed the merits of selling over the Holidays. Since then, I have done a little research and here are some items to consider if you are selling over the Holidays.
Buyers are Motivated
There may be fewer buyers during the Holiday period but generally speaking, they are serious about buying. They are braving the cold and giving up their own festivities to be out searching for a home. Buyers aren’t going to waste their time at this time of the year. Get in front of those buyers by posting on line and being ready to show your home on a moment’s notice.
Think Family
During the Holidays, buyers are more sentimental and thinking more about their families. The need to have a place to gather the family becomes stronger. Capitalize on this by bringing your homes best entertainment features to the forefront. Never underestimate the seriousness of a eager and sentimental buyer.
Don’t Worry about the Weather
The modern buyer is savvy with the use of the internet. Buyers today start the search for a home on-line. What better time to be looking for a home then when you are cooped up inside due to bad weather. These buyers will already have narrowed their choices of homes to look at before they even talk with a realtor. Make sure you have good photographs with your listing and that your listing can be found on line.
Curb Appeal is Important… even in Winter!
There may be six inches on snow on the ground but this is no reason to not have your home’s curb appeal stand out. Make sure the driveway, sidewalks and steps are clear of snow and ice. This gives the appearance of owners who take pride in their home.
It is recommended to have some holiday decorations outside but don’t go overboard. A wreath on the door and a few holiday lights is sufficient. Make sure you don’t have religious displays. This may turn off some buyers.
Create a Warm and Inviting Environment Inside.
When potential buyers walk into your home you want them to feel warm and cozy right away. They most likely have been looking at several homes and getting in and out of the cold weather. They are probably cold. Make sure your fireplace is lit if you have one. Light a few candles but don’t over do it. Let you Real Estate Agent know that you have hot cocoa or coffee and that they are welcome to help themselves. Baked cookies would be a nice touch as well. The smells will help make the home feel cozier.
Make Sure the Price is Right
You have motivated buyers, you have made sure the curb appeal is great, and you created a warm and inviting environment. Now you need to make sure your price is right! Price your house to sell! Remember, the buyers are wanting to buy so they don’t want to look at house that are over priced. Work with your Real Estate agent to price your house fairly based on comparable houses sold in your neighborhood.
If you do all of the above, you dramatically increase your chances of selling your house over the Holidays. Good Luck.