12/7/2006

The end of the year is not just about holiday shopping, family gatherings and other festive events.  According to the National Association of REALTORS®, nearly 1.5 million homes were sold between November 2004 and January 2005, dispelling the myth of a slowdown in home sales during the holiday season.  In fact, these three months can be especially crucial for transferees, many of whom need to be in new homes at the start of the new year.

The professionals in the Coldwell Banker® organization offer the following tips to help sellers maximize their home’s charm and allure during the holidays:

Increase Curb Appeal: First impressions are critical. If the home is in a snowy area, make sure to clear the walkways and driveway.  Remove any late fall leaves, and ensure the path to the stairs is free of ice. Put up a few exterior holiday lights and decorations to display seasonal tidings and pride in ownership. Do not overdo the lighting. Keep it tasteful and consistent with the rest of the neighborhood. A holiday welcome mat outside the front door is also a nice touch.  

Keep the House Warm and Welcoming: December and January can be very cold, so make sure the home is warm and cozy.  If the house has a fireplace, light a fire to bring the room to life and enhance the ambience.  Bake holiday cookies and treats to give the home an enticing aroma.

Decorate the Interior:  It is important not to overwhelm home shoppers with dramatic displays of holiday cheer, so be conservative with holiday decorations.  Decorate to accentuate the house, not to eclipse it.  Tasteful decorations will help connect buyers to the home, remind them of pleasant memories and help them imagine their own holiday celebrations there.

Remove the Lock Box: On a more practical note, sellers who are entertaining a lot over the holidays should talk to their real estate sales associate about removing the lock box except during designated appointment times. The multiple listing service information may need to be changed to let sales associates know that there is a temporary showing procedure that requires buyers’ sales associates to call in advance for an appointment.  It is best if the house is not shown when entertaining family and friends.