Why NOW is a good time to put your property ON the market!
Well, here you are. Just where you said that you would never be when you excitedly planted that For Sale sign at just the right spot in your front yard last spring. I'll bet that you even peeked out of the window as the first several cars rode by, halfway expecting them to come to a screeching halt, just to get the first look at your domestic treasure. Since then, that sign has served as first base in front yard kickball games. It was draped in red white and blue for the neighborhood 4th of July festivities. And now, as the brown, bare spots at its shaky base will sadly attest, it 's become the most popular doggie relief area in the entire neighborhood. Who knew that For Sale, translated into doggie language means, squat right here ?. That sign, planted with such promise, now taunts you, and to make matters worse, the holidays are right around the corner.
Some will tell you that you should take your house off of the market over the holidays. A good case can be made that the holidays are already stressful enough without having to be prepared to show at a moments notice. The thought of strangers tromping through while Aunt Nadine and the kids are spending a few days is not a pleasant one. And it is true that many real estate professionals do take extended vacations during the holiday season, and will not be available.
I tend to agree with those that choose to hang in there, putting their best home selling face on, regardless of the circumstances. And there are reasons to suspect that their dogged persistence will be rewarded. You won't see a large number of buyers over the holidays, but the ones that are out there are serious and motivated. Not many curious lookers are out there casually knocking on doors during the busiest time of the year. The fact that couples often have time off and are able to look at houses together is also a plus.
We know that the first rule of selling your home is to put everything away and de clutter as much as possible. This often results in a sterile, unlived in environment that lacks warmth and appeal. Now is the time to dress it up and show everyone that your house has all the warmth and cozy appeal that they want in their new home. You should proudly display your menorah in its usual place of prominence. Do not down size the Christmas tree. And by all means, put out that nativity scene, the one with the three legged camel and the one eared donkey that has been a part of every family Christmas that the kids can remember. When potential buyers come by, have holiday music playing softly and a roaring fire in the fireplace, if you have one. If not, turn up the heat to create a warm and cozy atmosphere.. You should also set out a plate of cookies, and have a pot of spiced tea simmering on the stove.
Use the holidays to kick up your curb appeal a notch. Be sure walkways are clear, and free of snow. Put a festive wreath on your door. You may want to forgo the giant snowman with the blinking red nose that sits on the roof every year. However, unless you are the neighborhood Clark Griswald , feel free to decorate outside as cheerfully and tastefully as you want to.
Often the emotional aspect of the home buying process is overlooked. The holiday season is the optimal time to use that to your best advantage. Use this special time of year to create an environment that conveys warmth and good cheer. One that prospective buyers will want to share in, and be excited about the possibility of their family enjoying similar festive holiday occasions in the future. And that sign out front. Put a big red bow on it.
About the Author
Jim Burr is president of LBO Marketing Partners, LLC., Camden South Carolina.