Should you tell a Home Seller NOT to put up Christmas Decorations?

I found myself in the middle of a Battle Royal this week. No I have not joined the WWE. I went on 2 different listing appointments this week. The first was very hostile. I was the 3rd of 3 agents and the sellers were already at their own throats. It is a newer big home, an elegant area with home after home loaded up with Christmas decorations. Mrs. Seller was the big decorator in the family and the home sat bare. 

Since Thanksgiving they had already met a few agents to list their Suburban Manchester NH area home. Two of the agents said they should not put up any decorations as it could hinder the sale. The Mrs. was crushed. She lived for decorating. Mr. Seller was putting down the hammer berating her as I got there. That there would be no decorating this year.

I toured the home, I asked lots of questions about the home and made lots of notes. The squabble had settled down right up to it was time to sit down and Mr. Seller brought it up again.

I called a TIME OUT. I let them know it was alright to decorate for Christmas. In a raised voice "Even with selling our home?" thundered Mr. Seller.

YES, it is alright to decorate. It seems the last two agents said they should keep from decorating at all. That is just not so I let them know. It is alright to decorate tastefully. Lights on the house, their 12 foot Christmas tree. Candles in the windows and garland around their fireplace mantles. (I was looking at pictures of their house last year) SO i knew how they decorated. Their 12 piece inflatable set, well maybe that should be packed for the next home, however, holidays are festive and by all means they need to be happy as well.

We went over what buyers would expect when viewing a home during the Holidays. The keys were not to obstruct hallways, doors or rooms. For a buyer to be able to see what they want to see. Mr. Buyer began to soften, maybe he felt at ease. He did love the decorations but they do need to sell by early next year. When we went over how the listing, showing, offers and selling process up to closing would work, he realized chances are near Megabucks odds they would close before Christmas anyway at this point. 

We spoke about listing after Christmas and the difference from listing now. They are going to list their house. And do it through me. They love how I talked with them and did not demand things. They loved being able to know what to expect. They want a weekend to decorate the home and asked if I would stop by their neighborhood gathering they host to meet the neighbors. That would be an honor.

The  moral of the story is to not rush into hiring just any agent. That we all know that there is a difference from agent to agent.  That a Buyer or Seller should not choose just any agent, choose the BEST agent for the job. The key to this story is feelings to matter in real estate and need to be kept in mind in ones actions.

My philosophy is simple, provide more personal and professional service to guide my clients through each step of the buying or selling process. All Agents are not created equal and every buyer or seller should take the time to hire the BEST not just the biggest. Those that hire me, find a dedication like no other..