Ask any Realtor® if you should keep your home on the market over the holidays, and their answer will most definitely be, YES! Their belief is that buyers who are home-shopping this time of year are serious buyers.

If you decide to make the commitment to have your home listed, here are some helpful tips for keeping you and your Realtor® jolly!

Price it right – No matter what time of year, a home priced right for the market will make any home buyer merry! It is better to start at the right price and then make small, gradual price reductions.

Find a reliable Realtor® – Ask friends and family members for a good recommendation. You’ll want an agent who will go above and beyond to sell your home, not disappear over the holidays. This will ease your stress and give you time to enjoy time with your family!

Curb appeal – Maintaining the exterior of your home during fall and winter is probably more important than any other time of year. Keep stairs and walkways free of leaves, snow, and ice. Bare trees expose more of your home, touch up the paint, clean the gutters, and spruce up the yard if necessary.

First impressions – When the weather outside is frightful, many buyers will house hunt from the comfort of their own home via the internet. Make a good impression with top quality photos, including some taken during spring and summer to give the buyer a view of your home all year-round.

Keep it cozy – Welcome potential home buyers into the warmth and comfort of your home. Keep temperature at a comfortable setting and offer some delicious holiday treats. The longer you keep them in your home, the more time they have to admire its many wonderful features.

Deck the halls – Homes often look their best in their holiday finery…be careful not to go overboard! Make sure your decorations are kept simple. You don’t want to hide any notable focal points in your home or distract the buyers.

Relax – This time of year can be stressful enough. Remember, if your home doesn’t sell, there is always next year….which is just around the corner!

May your holidays be merry and bright

and your home sell when the time is just right!

Take a look at our blog on “How to Sell your Home in the Winter” for some helpful ideas on how to improve your homes appeal during the winter months.