Selling your home over the holidays!

Most agents will tell you the Holidays is the time of year when it is the hardest to sell your home. Some people even suggest taking your home off the market if you are not in a must-sell situation. Here are some of my thoughts on "Selling your home over the Holidays".

Why I think you should not list your home over the Holidays

• You have a lot fewer buyers. With less traffic and less interest the market value drops.
• It is not convenient to always be ready to show at a moment's notice with holiday travel.
• The offers you receive will likely be for less than list price.
• Your listing agent may be on vacation in December (its our summer)
• It's almost impossible to close a transaction in December if the offer is received mid-month. Because of non-working holidays and weather issues.
• If you remove your home from the market, it can go back as a new listing in January, thereby drawing more traffic because it's fresh.
• Buyers might think you are desperate.
• Your decorations may not appeal or be offensive to buyers

Even though there are many points why you shouldn't sell during the holidays you may still have some customers who will want to sell. Here are some tips for decorating that will keep their tastes a little more appealing to everyone.

Compromising with you Stubborn Holiday Sellers

• Stack wrapped presents neatly in a closet. If they must be out, stack them in a corner.
  
• Keep the tree small. Instead of a 10-foot tree, try using a table-top, or a four-foot tree.
• Use more red than green because red is an emotionally appealing color.
• Simmer spicy apple cider on the stove, and leave things to serve themselves such as holiday cups.
• Use centerpieces made with pine cones or other wintry pieces of nature, try to avoid Santa Clause or specific Holiday images.
• Never leave candles burning unattended!
• Set a plate of cookies or  on the counter, next to festive paper napkins for guests.
• At least keep the decorations to a minimum. Don't block or cover up important selling features such as fireplace mantels, stairs, stained-glass windows.