Hang in There! Advice for Home Sellers over the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us. Are you a home seller? Is your home on the market?

This is typically the time of year when home sellers wonder - 'should I have my home on the market over the holidays?'

The holidays can be a busy time of year, adding to an already full schedule of commitments. Also, your home can quickly fill with holiday decor and gifts.

The question becomes - do I want to continue to show my home during all of this activity.

Our advice - if you can handle showing your property during this holiday season, go ahead --- keep your home on the market. Buyers are still looking in December, and buying too. Be it a job relocation or personal relocation, buyers are buying.

Homes sell in December. Many companies are closed over the holidays, especially during the week between Christmas and New Year's. Another opportunity for buyers to be out looking at homes.

In addition, there is no way to anticipate what will happen in next year's economy, and in next year's real estate market.

Also remember that as others take their homes off the market during this season, buyers will have fewer properties to choose from --- and since your home is still on the market, you will benefit!

Another added benefit is that with fewer homes on the market, your home will stand out in advertising.

To make it through the season, however, a bit of common sense advice might help. First, you may decide to limit your holiday decorations so as not to overwhelm the home, or yourself. Streamline your decor so that the home looks festive, yet not cluttered. It might be helpful to remove furniture to make room for decorations or a Christmas tree.

Use the holidays as an opportunity to make your home look more festive and inviting. The smell of warm apple cider, fresh baked treats, the scent of pine ... and a warm glowing fire ... all say "welcome"!

Wishing you a happy, successful holiday season!