HOME For The HOLIDAYS!

This time of year I am often asked, “Should I wait until spring to market my home for sale?” Sellers are often on the fence when it comes to listing their home during the holidays. They want to list their home for sale but they are hesitant because the holidays are just around the corner. I am often asked, “Are there any buyers out there? Do homes sell during the holiday season?”

The answer is a resounding, Y-E-S !

Listing your home during the holidays is one of the best times of year to do so.

Why?

“Guests” --- also known as buyers --- are welcomed into your home when it is fully dressed, so-to-speak. Buyers will be welcomed to festive decorations, warm smells, fresh baked goods on the table and many more special details not found at other times of the year. People tend to keep their home neat & ready for guests at this time of year as well, so sellers are naturally prepared for showings. Tables are dressed in their finest table cloths or linens and the finest china and dinnerware is set out for all to see. Fireplaces are roaring. Lights are sparkling. People touring the home will get a warm and festive feeling.

Okay, they may get that warm-fuzzy feeling but will they buy?

Another, YES!

Buyers looking for homes at this time of year are motivated to BUY. They tend to be relocating; they are pre-qualified and they know exactly what they are looking for. So, you may not have as many “sight-seers”. Those that do make appointments to see your home will be true buyers.

And, if you are marketing your home during the fall or winter holiday period, make sure you make the time to show - off your home. Have your agent set pre-determined weekend times on Saturday and Sunday so that your home will be available. It does not have to be every weekend. Plan ahead with your realtor so everyone knows what to expect; how to advertise; and when buyers call they will know -- in advance --- that the home can be shown. What a pleasure!

If you are thinking of selling your home --- why wait for the spring market?

List your home now because:

1. There is less competition amongst sellers for buyers.

2. Fall and Winter prospective buyers ARE serious buyers.

3. Your home looks, feels and smells TERRIFIC during the holidays. If it looks good, the buyer will feel good.

4. Supply and demand. You may receive more money for your home because there are LESS homes on the market.

5. You control the showing hours and times. You will know, based on advanced schedules, when your home can or cannot be shown. And, schedule advance “by appointment only” OPEN HOUSES.

6. Winter time, January in particular, is traditionally the biggest month for transferees & you must be listed in order to capture this window of selling opportunity.

7. You may have LESS showings but these buyers tend to be more qualified and motivated to buy. Quality is better than quantity in any season.

8. Your home is “dressed-up” and ready to welcome the new owner.

Remember, price your home properly. When it comes to selling a home, it’s important to keep in mind that value depends on what the buyer is willing to pay for your property and many factors contribute to their perceptions.

Prices depend on local characteristics such as job opportunities, housing supply, school systems and more. Sellers should stay realistic and set the price with a REALTOR® who can help determine which factors are at work in a given marketplace. So although décor plays a part in selling your home --- pricing is truly the key.

And, remember, if you are thinking of selling your home, there is no need to wait for the spring --- your home may be in “best in show” this season.

For more information about buying or selling your largest financial asset contact me at Cupat@aol.com.

Pamela Stetson, Realtor

Top Ten Agent

Abbott and Caserta

201-675-1618

201-447-6600 x304

Copyright Pamela Stetson 2014