Minehan on Real Estate:
Showing during the holidays allows people to imagine the home — and their families in it — during festive times
Many folks ask us if it would make sense to take their properties off the market during the holiday season and inquire as to the number of actual buyers out there. I always let people know that if their homes are already staged, cleaned and show-ready, showing during the holidays allows people to imagine the home — and their families in it — during festive times.
Taking a property off the market if you are ready and motivated to sell would be counter-productive with the increase in the amounts of time required to get homes under contract. If your home lends itself to a charming and cozy winter or holiday setting, this time of year could be an asset in getting it pending.
Many of the larger corporations review their year-end figures now, and transferees are notified of impending moves for the new year. What better time than during the holidays to allow for that house-hunting trip? I have had some very busy Januarys and Februarys due to corporate transfers. Many people who have to move children feel that the start of the second semester would be preferable to a mid-semester move.
With the winter weather comes a few more challenges to showing a home. Provide a boot tray at the entry door with a kind note asking people to remove their shoes and boots.
Keep the thermostat set at a comfortable spot even during the day. Colder temperatures certainly keep folks
from lingering. All walkways and drives should be kept clear of snow and ice at all times. If you’re unable to perform these duties yourself, perhaps a neighborhood teenager could be engaged to assist. Your listing agent probably has a list of reliable service providers they can give you.
Buyers certainly understand showing limitations when it’s an actual holiday or you have a home full of visiting family. If a buyer agent indicates their clients are only here and available for a small window of time, try to let the showing service know that you would be happy to accommodate a showing, but that the window has to be at a time when everyone is out shopping or skiing.
You can be sure that folks that are out there looking right now are serious.
This excerpt is from Meg Minehan‘s Real Estate Tips series in The Saratogian. Read the full article.
About the Author
Meg Minehan is an Associate Broker and a consistent top producer at Roohan Realty. She specializes in residential real estate, relocation, marketing & negotiation, and leadership development. She lives locally with her husband Jack Minehan, who is also a member of the Roohan team. Learn more about Meg and view her listings on her *new* website: www.megminehan.com