Most folks who have their homes on the market over the holidays do so out of necessity, not because they want to. Juggling cleaning and showings with all of the day-to-day and holiday tasks may not be ideal, but it IS doable. You’ll have to tweak a few things and likely adjust your mindset, but you’ve got this. Here are my seven best tips for holiday sellers.
Set Boundaries
In your initial meeting with your realtor, set up times when you absolutely are not willing to show your home. Try to keep those times to a minimum, but establish them up front. This allows your realtor to suggest other times for showings up front instead of making multiple phone calls.
Compromise on Decorations
You don’t have to go without decorations when you’re selling your home, but toning it down is a smart move. Choose decorations that will enhance your home’s features, perhaps greenery on the mantle or a smaller tree that leaves more floor space available.
Create a Video
Especially during the holiday season, you’ll want to create a video tour of your home. This does two things:
- It allows buyers who don’t want to trek through the cold to see your home to see it from the comfort of theirs.
- It may help decrease foot traffic during the holidays if people can see it without coming in. You’ll weed out those who aren’t totally into your home.
Focus on Curb Appeal
I know it’s not as easy to create curb appeal now as it is in the spring, but do what you can. Make sure beds are weeded and tidy. Take care of any projects needing completion on the exterior of your home, like power washing or repairs. Create an inviting entryway with a wreath, mat and other nice touches. Do a final cut on your lawn if it’s looking scraggly. You want those interested drive-by folks to want to see more!
Change Your Perspective
Instead of seeing showings as chores, change your thinking and treat potential buyers as holiday guests. What would you do to make your guests feel welcomed? Perhaps you can leave a plate of cookies on the counter or heat up some warm apple cider. Drape cozy throws on chairs and couches to create a feeling of warmth, and stage the guestroom with fresh towels, linens and fancy touches. What you do for guests will likely translate well to creating a perfect showing.
Warm Them Up
That feeling of warmth I mentioned above? Create it. Turn the thermostat up a touch to provide potential buyers with an escape from the chilly outdoors.
Price It Right
If you really want to sell your home in an efficient manner, make sure you price it right. Put aside sentimentality and have an honest conversation with your realtor. Nothing moves a house quicker than the perfect price.
And there you have it! Seven tips for selling your home over the holidays.
If you’re looking for a realtor to help you with your next venture in Northern Virginia, please give me a call! I stage for free when we use your furniture.
Happy holidays,
~ Marcia
Looking to buy or sell a home in Gainesville, Haymarket and Manassas? Call Realtor® Marcia Goodman at Samson Properties at 703-819-4776.
Get my FREE Whitepaper
'Home Staging is Worth It: Here's Why'
