Tis the Season to Sell Your House

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 

www.pattyrosscarmel.com

Photo courtesy of Steve Sherlock/Flickr.com