Catherine Paris, Central Florida 407-230-7807

Selling Your Home During the Holiday Season

Many homeowners believe that trying to sell their home during the holiday season is an impossible task; I disagree. Yes, it can be a little more challenging, but it is not impossible to sell your home during this time of the year. Many homeowners take their home off the market during the holiday season, which reduces your competition in the real estate marketplace. If you do decide to sell your home during the holidays, remember a few simple rules. First of all, don't over decorate your house. You don't want to turn away potential home buyers by hiding your home's valuable assets behind too many decorations. Lights hanging from the roof and inflatable outdoor decorations are taste specific - in order to appeal to the largest segment of buyers you want to keep your decorating to a minimum. If you feel the need to share your holiday spirit, remember: keep it simple, tasteful, and elegant. First impressions are lasting impressions.

Once you get them in the front door, don't send them running for the door by over doing the inside of your house. The same rule applies - keep it simple, tasteful, and elegant. Staging a home during the holidays is different from decorating your home during the holidays. Remember, clutter (no matter how attractive) is still clutter. You are showcasing your home, not your holiday collections. Your goal is to make buyers want to live in your home, to imagine their own celebrations in your house. To invoke warm fuzzy feelings try simmering cinnamon in a pot on the stove.

Christmas trees. I love Christmas trees. I love to decorate Christmas trees. I have an incredible (if I do say so myself) collection of Christmas tree decorations in a variety of color schemes and themes. I could probably open a Christmas tree shop. Do I use everything I have? Yes! BUT not at the same time. Each year I decide on my color palette and theme, then I decorate my tree using only those items. All of the other beautiful decorations I have collected over the years, get put away - once I have taken a few moments to look at them, admire them, and remember all of the wonderful memories associated with each piece. So what's my point? Don't overdue it. Just because you have an abundant collection doesn't mean you have to show it to every potential home buyer who looks at your home. You want them to admire your home (their new home) - you don't want them distracted by your exquisite collection.

And speaking of Christmas trees, select an appropriate size for your home. If the tree is too large, it will make your home look crowded and small. In this particular instance, size does matter. Make sure your tree placement is not obstructing a beautiful view, a walkway, or a door.

Keep these simple suggestions in mind and take advantage of this opportunity to sell your home during the holdiay season. Make selling your home easier by working with a professional real estate agent and a home stager - a winning team can have you in your new home faster.

It happens to everyone at one point or another during our lifetimes and it usually happens more than once. We find ourselves preparing for a major event: wedding day, graduation, new baby, selling our homes; so here's the big question - what do these events have in common with each other? Yes, they are life altering, yes they are stressors, and most times they are happy occasions. But what else do they have in common? They tend to generate very large to-do lists...call the caterer, call the florist, pick out the color schemes, rent the hall, etc. etc. etc...

What does all of this have to do with preparing for an open house? Well, for starters out comes the famous to-do list followed by the big scramble to find time for completing our list. It has happened to me and I am sure it has happened to you - there have been times when I was so busy that I found myself over thinking and forgetting to take care of the basics (especially when it comes to computer troubleshooting). In case you find yourself in this position, I have decided to post a pre-open house to-do list.

1. Pack up half of your belongings - this will help to eliminate clutter and get you ready for moving day.

2. Pressure wash the outside of the house and driveway.

3. Clean your gutters, outside windows, and screens.

4. Make sure the front door is inviting. Freshen with a coat of paint, new house numbers, and new lighting fixtures.

5. Buy a new welcome mat.

6. Organize all closets and drawers. Buyers will look!

7. Make necessary repairs before your open house.

8. Shine every surface, from ceiling fans to baseboards; that also includes windows, mirrors and floors.

9. Clean and scrub every surface in the kitchen and bathrooms.

10. Depersonalize every room; remove family photos, posters, and non-generic artwork.

11. Neutralize odors.

12. Hire a home stager to create a neutral space that will appeal to buyers!

Meeting clients is always an exciting experience; it is our opportunity to put our best foot forward and present our business and our ideas. I have learned a few things along the way. Clients may have their own ideas on how their homes should be staged; I find in these instances it is always best to give them an opportunity to voice their opinions. Moving is both stressful and emotional for most home sellers, so it is important to allow them an opportunity to voice their concerns and suggestions. While you are listening to the home owner, make note of any suggestions that may be utilized in your staging plans. As you walk through the client's home, make notes, take digital pictures, and listen to the home owner during your initial walk through. It is important for us to remember that we are guests in their home. Developing a positive relationship can lead to referrals.

Clients may have household pets. If you are allergic to the animal or uncomfortable around the animal, the best solution is to politely ask the home owner to temporarily remove the pet from the room. A little tip for making friends with the furry little creatures is to carry a little Ziploc baggie containing treats. Always get the the owners permission before offering treats to their pet, as they may be on a special diet. Another helpful little trick is to keep a supply of inexpensive dog and cat toys in your car. During the initial phone conversation you can always inquire about pets; then bring in the appropriate toy when you meet with the client. This thoughtful gesture will mean a lot to the home owner. Pets are a very important to many people; they are a part of their family.

Some clients are worried that we will criticize their decorating styles, which can make them defensive. I find it is always helpful to find something positive to say about their home. After all, it is not our job to judge; it is our job to stage their home for sale. The sooner we can alleviate their concerns, the better.

When time is of the essence, and it usually is, prepare a quote and give it to the client along with a copy of your contract before leaving the client's home. Make sure they understand that the work will be scheduled once the contract has been signed and you have received your deposit. Spell everything out ahead of time and avoid any misunderstandings. A professional relationship is the best relationship.