THE HOW TO’S WHEN SHOWING YOUR HOME DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

by Team Heidi

With the busyness of the season, many people are afraid to show their home during the holidays. What sellers need to keep in mind is that buyers who are looking for homes during the holidays are usually very motivated because of out-of-state transfers or leases that are going to expire. Inventory can diminish over the holidays because of sellers who take their homes off the market to avoid showings during the holiday season. The wise decision to make, if your house is already on the market, is to keep it available and not pull it from the market.

Once you have determined to show your home during the holidays, here are a few tips to help you manage the showing of your home and enjoy the holidays too.

Keep your decorations simple. Overwhelming buyers with a large tree and every Christmas collection you own may make your space look small and cluttered.
Offer some Hospitality. Too many scents like candles in every room or holiday potpourri could be replaced with a plate of fresh baked cookies with a note to have one or hot cider simmering on the stove with a “Help Yourself” sign. The warmth and good cheer that would be felt may be just the touch to sell your home!
Remove Christmas cards and other personal items from rooms. Find a basket to store your cards. The buyer wants to imagine what it would be like if they lived in the house and reminders of another family living there distracts from the dream.
Whether the Weather. Winter can be a messy season with shoes that have been in the rain or worse weather. Place a rubber mat inside the door to hold shoes. Make sure all closets are not stuffed with large coats or bulky sweaters. Your home must appear as spacious as possible – even the closets!
Where to go during a showing. Your kids could be out of school or you have house guests when a call comes in to show your home. Keep a list of activities or last minute shopping items so you won’t be inconvenienced. Don’t be afraid to withhold all showings on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Day. Just communicate those requests to your agent so that you won’t have a surprise phone call.
Expectations. Showings do drop off during the holiday season, so don’t be disappointed. However, you may have just the house a anxious buyer is looking for so be prepared!