Tips for Selling Your Home during the Holidays
If you celebrate any of the winter holidays, then you probably don’t feel like this is the ideal time of year to be selling your house. But actually, the charm of the holidays – and the type of buyers who are out searching for a new home during this time of year – can make the holidays an auspicious time to sell your home. Here are a few ways to maximize your sale potential at this busy time of year:
Understand Your Advantage. Buyers who take the time to book home showings during the holidays are usually pretty motivated. Perhaps they need to find a home fast and are willing to pay top dollar, pay for closing costs, or waive contingencies. And since the holidays aren’t everyone’s first pick for when to list their homes, there will be less inventory on the market – giving you a competitive advantage.
Pour on the Charm. Admittedly, the holidays are a festive and beautiful time of year. Holidays fragrances like cinnamon and evergreen, pumpkin and cookies baking can make any house feel like a home. Yes, the days are darker, but nighttime showings can reveal how cozy your home is. Add plenty of warm lighting to illuminate see all of your home’s features and consider scented candles to maximize the homey feel of the season.
Deck the Halls … Tastefully. Not everyone celebrates the same holidays, but most people appreciate a tasteful display even if they don’t share in the celebration. Any exterior lights should be tasteful rather than gaudy – that quintessential New England look of a light in each window is very inviting. Inside, don’t go overboard with seasonal displays; rather, think muted. Seasonal flowers are always lovely when trying to sell a home, and holiday flowers are no different. If you aren’t comfortable with your ability to decorate so that your home will show well, consider hiring a professional decorator or simply enlist a friend whose understated taste you admire in order to help you create a pleasing look that recalls home and family.
Clean Things Up. Due to the elements, the holidays can be a particularly messy time of year. Boots trudge in, tracking ice, mud, and sand across your clean floors. Layers of winter clothing need to find a convenient home. Make things easy on yourself by designating a rug or boot rack where you and your family can leave your outdoor gear. When you know a showing is on the horizon, stow it in a closet. Your floors will remain cleaner and you’ll save yourself some fuss.
Take Time Off. If you are hosting a holiday gathering or celebrating in your home, consider giving yourself a break for a day or two to let your hair down and live in your space. Enlist family members in helping clean up once the festivities have finished. Some days are easy to take off – there aren’t too many prospective buyers hitting the streets on December 25th or January 1st.
Successfully showing your home during the holidays is all about organization and attitude. Plan your home sale right into your holiday schedule. Your home will look lovely, and without a lot of market competition, your biggest gift might just be that successful sale!
Author: Kim Clark
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