The holiday season represents a frenzied time of the
year. Parties, family get-togethers,
employment obligations, and shopping, all have people dashing from one end of town,
to the other. What does this mean for
you, the uncertain home seller? It
denotes that this is a fantastic time to put your house on the market, and a
for sale sign in the front yard. Traffic
during the holiday season triples, meaning the amount of people observing the
marketing of your home also triples.
Although the thought of having to list, show, and sell your house during
the holidays may sound like a bad dream, it can actually have its distinct
advantages. There is absolutely no need
to wait for spring, or warmer weather. If
you have been contemplating listing your home and are just uncertain of the
season, call your local real estate agent today, to gain a full appreciation of
the benefits of doing so during the holidays.
Firstly, curb appeal is paramount when trying to sell your
home during the fall and winter months.
Nothing is more inviting than an illuminated home, lush with greenery,
and holiday charm. Twinkling lights and
yard art will grab the attention of those passing by. You have the opportunity to adorn your home
with holiday cheer, utilizing various decorations and lighting techniques.
In focusing on curb appeal, make sure that prior to all showings
you have your walkways and driveways clear of fallen leaves, or snow. Also, clear away all debris the fall season has
left behind in your landscaping beds, and from around the foundation of your
home. String some holiday lighting in
your trees and shrubbery, all the while being tasteful in your design. Strategically place a spotlight directly
aimed at your front door. You want to accent
your new holiday welcome mat, and colorful hanging wreath. The invitation to enter your home must make a
profound impact on a potential buyer.
Once the door is opened, the potential buyer should be
welcomed by subtle holiday music playing in the background, and the scent of
spiced candles burning. Have your
fireplace lit, and a cozy environment staged.
Throw pillows nicely arranged on the couch or side chairs, invites a holiday
house hunter to come in, and snuggle up by the fire. Be reasonable in regards to the amount of
tangible items you have staged, as you do not want your home to appear
cluttered.
Let’s next discuss your Christmas tree. This year you may need to reevaluate your
approach to trimming. Your tree should
be sized appropriately for the room, and the decorations should be kept to a
minimum. Consult your realtor regarding
the appropriate extent of festooning your home.
And even have them come by, prior to your first showing, to confirm your
home is suitably ornamented.
Various other interior holiday adornments can be rationally
scattered, but also, should be kept to a minimum. Your outside decorations, perhaps more
theatrical, are to entice the potential buyers inside. But once inside, you want your home to be the
main focus of attention, not all of the decorations. The interior decorations should only accent,
not dominate.
For all showings, day or night, have all interior and
exterior lights turned on. This includes
both table lamps, and overhead lighting.
Be sure to open all blinds and curtains, allowing as much natural light
in as possible. Light and bright should
be your primary objective. Brighten your
home, and lighten the spirits of the holiday house hunters.
The holidays are a festive time of the year. So, as you set out to win over the seasonal
homebuyer, entice and allure with the utilization of holiday decorations,
scents, and the overall feeling of warmth.
Amongst families, love, comfort, and joy are conveyed more often during
the holiday seasons. This is exactly what you want your home to embody. If conveyed successfully, the potential home buyers
will not be able to wait to celebrate their next holiday, in your newly-sold
home.
For more information, and advice on selling your home during
the holidays, it is essential to contact your local realtor. Working closely with a real estate agent will
reinforce that you have made a wise and informative decision on marketing your
home, at an ideal time of the year. Celebrate
the season with your realtor, and get that for sale sign in the yard!
Patty Ross
Sotheby's International Realty
831-236-4513
pattyre@comcast.net
Sotheby's International Realty
831-236-4513
pattyre@comcast.net
Photo courtesy of Steve Sherlock/Flickr.com
