As promised, here is the second part of my Holiday Marketing Post. In the first part I went over the 10 Reasons to List Your Home During the Holidays. In this post I want to give some tips to homeowners to win over a holiday homebuyer during this time of year and give a few of my marketing ideas that I will use with my holiday listings.

Tips For You, The Homeowner

• Curb appeal. First impressions are important. If you live in a snowy area, make sure walkways are cleared. Or if late fall leaves are littering the ground, be sure to clear them away. Also make sure the path to the stairs is free from ice.
• A few exterior holiday lights or decorations shows pride in ownership and seasonal cheer, but keep in mind that while exterior lights are beautiful at night, they don't add anything during the day when potential homebuyers will be looking at your home so you don't want to overdo it. Another thing to consider: would-be buyers may view it favorably if the home is brimming with lights - it shows unity and neighborliness - so you'll want to find the perfect balance.
• Trim outdoor trees so enexpected winds don't knock down branches that could damage your home or hurt anybody.
• Place a nice welcome holiday mat outside your front door.
• Make sure your door area is clear from bicycles, toys, or parcels left by the mail carrier.
• Hang a festive wreath on your door.
• Play holiday music in the background.
• Keep the house cozy. Entering a cold house could leave a lasting chilling impression. Instead, set the thermostat at a comfortable temperature.
• A toasty fire. If you're only stepping out while an agent is showing your house, start a fire in the fireplace. Nothing says home more than a nice cozy fire, but never leave a fire unattended.
• Your tree. This year you'll need to think about your tree more than you usually do. For starters, if your house is on the small side, get a smaller tree. You don't want the tree to appear to take over the entire living or family room. Likewise, you don't want to cram too much furniture into a room just to get the tree to fit. Remove furniture if necessary.
• Keep decorations on the conservative side. Not all home shoppers may celebrate the holidays in the manner you do. You don't want to overwhelm anybody with abundant displays of holiday cheer. You want your house to be noticed, not your decorations.
• If your house is being viewed in the evening, let your agent know which tree and other holiday lights should be turned on. And be sure the agent turns the lights off or you have a plan to be home immediately following the showing.
• Bake holiday cookies and treats often. The enticing smell will be welcome to those viewing your houses (and I'd love a holiday cookie too!).
• Be especially careful about ensuring your home security system is turned on after agents show your house, especially if you have gifts under your tree.
• Windows. Make sure your windows are sparkling clean.
• Let the light in. Open blinds and curtains and turn on interior lights to reduce the dreary lighting that pervades in the dark winter months.
• Leave some holiday treats and hot chocolate for your guests. (Just thought I'd mention this one again!)

To ensure that your home is available to buyers who are looking during the holiday season take advantage of the Smart Homes Boston and Century 21 Commonwealth Holiday Marketing Program:

• An emphasis on internet marketing with multiple photos and slide shows
• Virtual open house available on the internet instead of public open houses during the holiday season
• Showings by appointment with 12-24 hours notice during the holiday season
• The For Sale sign may be removed for the holiday season
• A holiday season mailer to the relocation department highlighting the continued availability of the property for the relocating buyer.

The Smart Homes Boston Virtual Open House is a video recorded tour of your home by me as if the buyer was there. This will allow buyers to gain more knowledge of the home prior to setting an appointment. By doing so, we are creating buyers that are truly interested in your home and that much closer to a great holiday surprise... AN OFFER! Click below to learn more about The Smart Homes Boston selling services that will wrap your home up and put the perfect bow on top!