Marketing Your Home Over the Holidays

Should you continue to market your home during the holiday season? Some experts say it is not a good idea because people may think you are desperate and showing your home is more difficult on short notice during the holidays. Maybe your agent is going out of town.

However others say that  since people have time off they have more time to read the paper, surf the web and look for potential new homes. Less inventory on the market means less competition.

If you decide to leave your home on the market what should you consider in terms of holiday decorating and  home “staging”. Experts recommend leaving the decorations to a minimum if  you decorate at all. Some people may have subconscious prejudices that will influence their perception of the home. Also, potential buyers need a chance to be able to visualize their own furnishings and belongings in your space and decorations might prove to be a distraction.

The best scenario is the happy medium between too much distraction and just enough to make the house a warm and inviting home. Use a scaled-back tree – maybe just a table top version. Presents can be stacked in a corner and out of the way. Use a lot   of red in the decorations because red is an emotionally appealing color. Centerpieces of pine cones or other wintery items found in nature are good. Candles create a nice soft light. Simmering spicy cider on the stove or holiday potpourri creates a nice warm scent. Just make sure it isn’t overpowering. Make sure walks and driveways are shoveled and de-iced.

Keep advertising your home. People have time to sit back and read the paper and check the online real estate sites. 70% of  visitors to Zillow are actively moving. Make sure your property is listed and visible. We can help you with a featured ad   on Zillow to make sure your listing is at the top!