Winter is almost here. November through January is often thought to be the most difficult to sell your home - the dreaded "the Holiday Season". While the thought of selling your home during the winter months may dampen your holiday spirit, the season does have its advantages: holiday buyers tend to be more serious, and competition is less fierce with fewer homes being actively marketed.
Decorate, but don't go overboard. Homes often look their best during the holidays, but sellers should be careful not to overdo it on the decor. A front lawn covered with inflatable Santa's and reindeer will distract buyers from actually seeing your home. Same goes for the inside, don't cover every inch of your home with holiday collectibles and decor. Keep it simple and allow your decor to highlight your homes selling points (bright open spaces, etc.).
Hire a dependable real estate agent. Find someone who will be there and won't disappear when you need them. Get recommendations from friends and family - it will help ease the stress so that you can enjoy your holidays.
Target your buyers. Anyone house hunting during the holidays must have a good reason for doing so. Buyers are often more serious about buying. Work with your agent to target buyers relocating for jobs in your area etc.
Price it right. A home that's priced appropriately for the market will make buyers happy.
Curb appeal is a top priority. Keep up the appearances. Touch up the paint, clean the gutters and spruce up the yard. Keep buyers' safety in mind as well by making sure stairs and walkways are free of snow, ice and leaves.
Take high quality real estate photos. Home buyers are likely to start their house hunt from the comfort of their homes by browsing listings on the Internet. Make a good first impression by offering lots of great quality photos of your home. If possible, have a summer or spring photo of your home available so buyers can see how it looks year-round. You can also create a video tour for the Web. You'll get less foot traffic during the holidays, thanks to inclement weather and vacation plans. But shooting a video tour and posting it on the Web may attract house hunters who don't have time to physically see your home or would rather not drive in a snowstorm.
Make it feel like home for your buyers. Welcome them in to your home by making your home feel cozy and inviting during showings by setting the fireplace or turning up the head, playing soft music and even fresh baked cookies or treats (just the smell of freshly baked goodies is also a treat). When you encourage buyers to spend more time in your home, you also give them more time to admire its best features.
Relax -- the holidays will soon be over and the New Year is just around the corner. Take a moment to remind yourself that if you don't sell now, there's always next yea which will come soon enough. Happy Holidays and Happy Home Selling!
For more home selling and decorating ideas, contact Linda Garza at Cypress GMAC Real Estate (509) 205-5657 lindag@cypressgmac.com. Specializing in Tri-Cities Washington Real Estate! Real Estate Services for Kennewick, Richland and Pasco Real Estate! Putting your family first is my #1 priority! You can also search for properties on my website www.lindagarza.com.
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