Listing your home during the holidays is one of the best times of year to do so. Why?

Guests --- also known as buyers --- are welcomed into your home when it is fully dressed, so-to-speak. Buyers will be welcomed to festive decorations, warm smells, fresh baked goods on the table and many more special details not found at other times of the year. People tend to keep their home neat & ready for guests at this time year as well so, seller's are naturally prepared for showings. Tables are dressed in their finest table cloths or linens and the finest china and dinnerware is set out for all to see. Fireplaces are roaring. Lights are sparkling. People touring the home will get a warm and festive feel for the home.

Okay, they may get that warm-fuzzy feeling but will they buy? The answer is a resounding, YES! Buyers looking for homes at this time of year are motivated to BUY. They tend to be relocating; they are pre-qualified and they know exactly what they are looking for. So, you may not have as many "sight-seerers" but those that do make appointments to see your home will be true buyers.

And, if you are marketing your home during the the winter or holiday period, make sure you make the time to show your home. Have your agent set pre-determined weekend times on Saturday and Sunday so that your home will be available. It does not have to be every weekend. Plan ahead with your realtor so everyone knows what to expect; how to advertise; and when buyers call they will know -- in advance --- that the home can be shown. What a pleasure!

If you are thinking of selling your home --- why wait for the spring market?

     1. There is less competition amongst sellers for buyers.

     2. Winter prospects ARE serious buyers.

     3. Your home looks, feels and smells TERRIFIC during the holidays.

     4. You may receive more money for your home because there are LESS homes on the market.

     5. You control the showing hours and times. You will know, based on advanced schedules, when

       your home can or cannot be shown. And, schedule advance "by appointment only" showing times.

     6. January is traditionally the biggest transfer month & you must be listed in order to capture

         this selling opportunity.

     7. You may have LESS showings but these buyers tend to be more qualified and motivated to buy.

     8. Your home is dressed-up and ready to welcome the new owner.

Look for a future blog that will share tips for decorating your home during the holiday season! And, remember, if you are thinking of selling your home, there is no need to wait for the spring --- your home may be in "best in show" this winter.