Michelle Schlutz-Barbour
However, there are some advantages to listing your house during this time, namely that holiday buyers have a tendency to be more serious and competition is less intense with fewer homes on the market.
Longmont, CO (PRWEB) November 13, 2015
“Despite the fact that the holiday season from November through January is widely considered one of the worst times to put a home on the market, some sellers have no choice, whether it be because they suddenly have to relocate due to their job or for other necessary reasons,” said Michelle. “However, there are some advantages to listing your house during this time, namely that holiday buyers have a tendency to be more serious and competition is less intense with fewer homes on the market.”
If you do decide to list your home during the holiday season, for whatever reason, there are tips to better ensure it sells, while still being able to decorate your home for the holidays, especially Christmas. The following five tips are essential for bringing in the buyers.
No. 1: Decorate within reason. It’s OK to present a festive house, but do not go overboard with the decorations. Too many decorations, particularly Christmas lights, can be distracting, and a potential buyer still needs to be able to envision what the house looks like without them.
No. 2: Hire a dedicated Realtor. Most people, including real estate professionals, do not want to or can’t work during the holidays, so if selling your house during the season it’s imperative to find a Realtor who will be around during Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s. Find someone who will go that extra mile for you.
No. 3: Take quality photos and create a video tour. Once you have accomplished the aforementioned, work together with your Realtor to create a virtual showing of your house via photos and a video. Due to the fact that the holiday season is generally cold, and a lot of people have holiday plans that can’t be disrupted, house hunters are more apt to begin their search from the comfort of their warm living rooms rather than drive around in the cold from house to house until they find what they are looking for. When possible, also include a summer or spring photo of your house so potential buyers can see how it looks year-round.
No. 4: Find motivated buyers. People who are looking to buy a house during the holiday season will typically have a timeline and need to find a house quickly. With your Realtor, target buyers on a deadline, including people relocating for jobs, investors who have tax deadlines, military personnel who have be re-stationed, etc., and always price your home to sell.
No. 5: Present a welcoming and warm (literally) atmosphere. Making your home warm and inviting will entice would-be buyers to stay longer and get a better feel for the house. This includes literally turning up the heat to chase away the cold, offering holiday treats, making the home festive, having a fire going in the fireplace (if you have one) and a well-decorated but tasteful tree. Keep in mind, however, to not decorate in an overtly religious way as you want to attract buyers of any faith.
“Additionally, keep in mind that curb appeal is always important, even in winter,” said Michelle. “If there is snow and/or ice on the ground, clear it from walkways and stairs so potential buyers will have a safe passageway to the front door.”
About Michelle Schlutz-Barbour, RE/MAX Traditions
RE/MAX Traditions works hard to provide their clients with the most positive real estate experience possible. A vital part of today’s real estate industry is technology, and to that end they provide their clients with state-of-the art web tools and marketing. For more information, please call (303) 601-2882, or stop by Michelle’s office at 2204 18th Ave., Longmont, CO 80501.
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