USE HOLIDAY SPIRIT TO SELL YOUR HOME IN THE FESTIVE SEASON!

USE HOLIDAY SPIRIT TO SELL YOUR HOME IN THE FESTIVE SEASON

The end of the year is not just about holiday shopping, family gatherings and other festive events.  Despite the demands of the holiday season, there are still many people who will want to use the time off to view homes with a thought to starting the New Year in a new home.  If your home is for sale during the festive season, don’t stop showings and go into ‘hiatus’ until mid-January.  Instead, make the most of the warmth and festive appeal of a home that’s decorated for the holidays, and keep showing while other sellers – your competition -- may be out of action!
I offer the following tips to help sellers maximize their home’s charm and allure during the festive season and into the New Year:
Increase Curb Appeal: First impressions are critical. Make sure the snow is cleared from walkways and driveway, and ensure the path to the stairs is free of ice. Put up a few exterior holiday lights and decorations to display seasonal tidings and pride in ownership. Do not overdo the lighting. Keep it tasteful and consistent with the rest of the neighbourhood. Turn on the lights for showings, even if its still daylight.  After all, it may be getting dark by the time your viewers leave.  A holiday welcome mat outside the front door is also an inviting touch.  
Keep the House Warm and Welcoming: December and January can be cold, so make sure the home is warm and cozy.  If your home has a fireplace, light a fire to bring the room to life and enhance the ambience.  Bake holiday cookies or treats to give the home an enticing aroma.
Decorate the Interior:  Its important not to overwhelm home shoppers with dramatic displays of holiday cheer, so be conservative with holiday decorations.  Decorate to accentuate the house, not to cover it.  Tasteful decorations will help connect buyers to the home, remind them of pleasant memories and help them imagine their own holiday celebrations there.
Agree on Showing Times & Procedures: On a more practical note, sellers who are entertaining over the holidays should talk to their Realtor® about ‘off limits’ times and discuss removing the lock box except during designated appointment times. The MLS information may need to be changed to let the buyers’ sales representatives know that there is a temporary showing procedure that requires them to call in advance for an appointment.  It is best if the house is not shown when entertaining family and friends.
Want more great tips on how to maximize your home’s selling potential into the New Year?  Contact your Realtor®, and get ready to start the New Year off right!