The holidays can bring serious buyers. Many homeowners tend to believe the holidays could be a bad time to sell their home. But the potential buyers that are looking are most likely very serious buyers. Holiday home buyers have a different motivation, like using vacation time to scout for homes. They are doing it because they are motivated to buy rather than just wanting to buy. Also, job transferees use the holidays to house hunt because January is the biggest corporate transfer month of the year. While it’s true that the holidays can mean reduced activity for showings to buyers, don’t give up.
It’s time to increase the action plan to draw attention to it. Don’t let the holiday slump make you feel like there’s no chance a home will sell. In fact, last December, 486 homes were sold in our area, according to MLS sales data. Homes are bought and sold this time of the year. But the ones that get bought are the ones that are enticing the buyers. Additionally, 655 homes entered the market last December as new home listings. This means you need to be prospecting and getting properties listed for after holiday sales. This is a perfect time of year to make calls to past clients and wish them happy holidays. Be sure to ask what their real estate plans are for the coming year.
It’s also time to let sellers know how to present their home for the holidays. While this time of year often brings out all the holiday decor, there is such a thing as too much holiday cheer. Advise home sellers to keep in mind that not all buyers celebrate the same holidays. While making a home available for showings, it’s good to keep decor simple and subtle. For Christmas, go ahead and put up a tree, but don’t put up a tree in every room. Also, choose a room for the tree that will not make the room appear small with the tree in it. Buyers will be imagining their own holiday celebration there; so, leave room to allow them to envision their lives in the home. Limit decorations that can draw attention and distract a buyer from looking at the home’s features and benefits. Lighting should be subtle and used sparingly - preferably mini clear lights.
What goes for the inside goes for the outside, too. Holiday lights can be placed outside, very tastefully, but keep the huge inflatable Santa and reindeer in storage this year. You do not want the yard to look like an amusement park. Instead, choose a nice holiday wreath and some subtle seasonal decor. Curb appeal is what gets the buyers in the door, even during the holidays. If a home is not appealing from the outside, buyers won’t take a look on the inside.
Also, put away the gifts. If you usually put them under the tree or around the house, stash them away for the day of celebration. The gifts take up precious floor space and are a distraction. As with any time of the year, it’s a good idea to keep as many personal belonging as possible in a safe, private space. And keep your small valuables in a safe place at all times.
Additionally, don’t go overboard with different fragrances in every room. Cinnamon, pine cones, natural garland and mild potpourris are preferred over scented candles and oils. Natural aromas are the right choice for holiday fragrance. Also, some buyers could be allergic to the artificial scents, especially if used in abundance. Fresh baked cookies can create a pleasant aroma as well. Leaving a plateful of cookies out with a handwritten note to “take one” is a nice touch.
Another area of attention is to spruce up the mantle. However, if you typically hang stockings with family member’s names on them, consider using less personal ones while showing your home. It’s the same fundamental home staging principal: Home stagers insist on putting away personal photos, creating a space in which buyers can imagine their photos and belongings.
Having home listings for sale during the holidays doesn’t have to make you blue. In fact, it can truly brighten your spirits by putting some green in your bank account. Stay focused on making your listings a buyer’s dream this holiday season.