The holiday season is a busy time for most people. Between shopping, entertaining and jetting off to visit family, finding the time to sell your house during this season can seem a bit daunting. However, it does have its advantages. For example, the holiday buyers braving the snow and lower temperatures tend to be more serious. Not only that, less houses on the market means less competition; which could mean a quicker sale for you.
Here are five holiday-friendly tips to consider when trying to sell your home this season:
1. Deck your Halls with just a little bit of holly-day cheer
If you’re thinking of packing up all of your holiday décor into boxes – don’t. Keep some key decorations out to make a welcoming first impression for buyers. The key is not going overboard. Potential homebuyers want to be able to envision themselves living in the home. A few tasteful decorations like a simple garland along your staircase, lights outside, and an elegant – not overcrowded – tree can help paint that picture. It’s important you stay away from displaying anything too personal to your family – such as religious symbols or homemade ornaments. Stick to classic gold, greenery and white lights and your holiday style should make a great first impression.
Our team is equipped with skilled home stagers who will get you started with the essential steps that help your home show its best. When you list with me – this service is provided at no extra charge.
2. Make your home a cozy escape from the cold
Don’t let cold, dreary winter days put a damper on the home buying experience. Ensure your sidewalk and driveway are shovelled, curtains and blinds are open to offer in lots of natural light, and that you keep the house a nice, warm temperature to offer some recluse from the cold outdoors. Have some soft, festive music playing in the background and if you aren’t home beforehand get your realtor to turn on your fireplace before the buyers arrive. If you can find the time, bake up some delicious holiday treats. Nothing says “home” like the smell of homemade cookies.
Set the stage for a positive viewing experience and let the joy and love of the holiday season flow throughout your home.
3. Price to sell
If your home is priced fairly for market conditions this can help alleviate any back and forth price wars that could emerge from potential buyers unwilling to go above their budget. Listing your house priced to sell can help make the whole process go a lot smoother – and faster. No one wants to feel like a scrooge during the holidays.
4. Hire a {reliable} realtor
You want someone who is going to work hard for you no matter what time of year it is. Working with someone you can trust, is dependable and will go above and beyond for you will be key to your success. Don’t add any extra stress to your home selling experience. Let your realtor do all the legwork so there is more time for you to relax and enjoy the holiday cheer with those you love.
5. Understand the value of great photography
Your online listing is the first impression homebuyers will get of your home. How your listing stands out could make all the difference in how much foot traffic you get through your doors. Be sure to enlist the help of your realtor to get some professional, high-quality photos of your home. Avoid using your cellphone for these images– the professionals know how to enhance your space and work the angles to make for some flattering, and stunning, images. We have a full time professional photographer on our team who knows what equipment to use based on the time of day, the ever-changing Calgary weather, and the angle to ensure your home’s pictures raise eyebrows.
If you have images on hand of the exterior of your house in other seasons, include those as well so buyers can get a sense of what the house looks like without all the snow and bare trees. You can also look into shooting a video tour of the home (with professional help). As winter months may make for less foot traffic, house hunters who don’t have time to do the walk through can take advantage of this feature.
As you set out to list your home, just remember to go in with realistic expectations and know that you can lean on your realtor to help you through the process. Contact me today to get your home ready to sell this holiday season.