Holidays are a time for peace, love, harmony, food, family, friends…
Selling your home doesn’t have to wait until the holiday rush and chaos has stopped. It’s actually common for people to sell their homes over the holidays, so… here’s a few things to consider:
Decorate, but don’t overdo it. Buyers will expect your home to be decorated with Christmas cheer. Your home should still be warm and inviting, with as much neutrality as possible. So bring out the Christmas decorations, fill your home with festive cheer, but think twice about that extra handful of tinsel you’re about to throw on the tree. This follows through to the outside. Put up the lights and keep the inflatables, well inflated. Just make sure you’re keeping walkways free from trip hazards.
Safety should be a priority when you decorate. I previewed a house for a client last year and when walking in, the aroma of Christmas filled the house; so did the faint smell of burning. The Christmas candle was burning bright, but it was surrounded by acorns and garland, which was just starting to smoke. Your decor should be beautiful and original, but before that it should be safe.
Stay on top of shovelling and salting walkways and your driveway. Slip and falls happen regularly while we’re celebrating holiday cheer, so make sure you do your part in keeping everyone safe.
Consider getting exterior photos during the summer/fall months. If you’ve listed your home over the holidays, you were probably considering selling in the summer months. Hire a professional photographer to photograph your landscaping and/or pool space while it’s in full summertime abundance. Providing examples of what a buyer can expect can help them decide if they’re willing to sip margaritas and enjoy the sun in the backyard.
Patience and flexibility are key. The holidays are a stressful time for everyone. Literally, everyone is stressed thanks to Christmas concerts, meal planning, shopping, parties… the list goes on. So be patient; do your best to breathe and take it all in. Selling over the holidays is one more thing to think of, but when you hire a reliable and professional realtor, their team will ensure you’re in the best position to sell as quickly as possible, so you can all get back to your holiday cheer.
