When you look at your calendar you may find the months already overloaded with seasonal obligations -- shopping, entertaining, charity work, decorating the house, and so much more. If you are also trying to sell your home, you are under extra pressures to keep your home in "show-time" condition.
It is understandable why you would be tempted to take your home off the market during the holidays. And the list of justifications is long. If you are too busy, buyers may be also, and you may find your efforts unrewarded with not enough showings. And what if you do get an offer? You may be faced with the possibility of packing and moving during the busiest time of the year. Besides, you can give your house a rest, and it will have better momentum after the holidays. Better to just pack it in and start fresh in January, right?
BUT WAIT! Most top Realtors, (especially myself) agree that taking your home off the market during the Christmas season is a mistake! What is the advantage?
The holidays are a wonderful selling period! Why? Because most people take off work sometime during the season. The husband and wife are both off and want to see houses. Most agents like the holidays because the buyers have more time and they can look at homes together.
BEFORE YOU TAKE YOUR HOME OFF THE MARKET, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING POINTS:
- Although buyer activity may appear to slow down, the buyers who are actively looking during the holidays are that much more serious. Agents believe the home market is no more affected at Christmas than during other "busy" periods. If that were so, the market would shut down throughout the year as families concentrate on spring weddings, June graduations, summer vacations, and autumn back-to-school activities.
- Many buyers deliberately choose to shop for a home either before or after the busy spring and summer rush. They know that it will be easier to look, and that negotiations will be less stressful. They may not have children, or they may have grown children, so moving to accommodate the school year isn't a consideration. Finding the right home at the right price, however is.
- Relocating families often don't have a choice when they can leave for their new destination. MOST RELOCATIONS OCCUR IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER. Although 68% of transferring families have children, many families have to transfer during the middle of the school year. These families are that much more motivated to get their families settled in before either the January semester begins, or to arrange for the move during spring break in March. If you sign a contract by New Years Eve, the timing couldn't be more perfect.
- At Christmas time, our culture focuses on family and home. Preparing for the indoor activities of winter is one of the most enjoyable periods of family life. Allowing buyers to view your home during this most hospitable of seasons lets them better picture their own family life in the attractive environment you have created.
- When has your home ever looked more beautiful and inviting? You have cleaned and decorated, and your home looks like a picture postcard. If the results are good enough for family and friends, they will surely be good enough to impress your buyers. Get the family team to do a five-minute blitz pick-up every morning to keep holiday messes to a minimum.
- You may find you have more showings than you would if you marketed your home during a busier time of the year.
- If you get a contract, you can arrange terms and negotiate a closing date of your choice. Most people expect to close 30 to 60 days after a contract is written, so there is plenty of time. Possession and closings are very negotiable.
These are just a few tips that a veteran real estate agent, like myself Lyn Sims, can help you with in your journey towards selling your home! More information can be found for sellers and buyers alike on my website or by calling me directly at (847)230-7324. I'm confident that I can provide the kind of exceptional service that will make this process an exciting one. Please don't hesitate to call or email me (LynSims@remax.net) with any questions you may have.
Lyn Sims RE/MAX Suburban (847)230-7324 or (800)637-9345 Outside IL.
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Lyn Sims of RE/MAX Suburban (847)230-7324 works in the Northwest Chicago Suburbs of Schaumburg, Bartlett, Hanover Park, Streamwood, Hoffman Estates, St. Charles, Bloomingdale, Elgin, South Elgin, Elk Grove Village, Roselle, and Medinah IL.
© 2010 Lyn Sims and The Blog Dog
