I have some great tips to minimize stress if you are in the market to buy a home, or selling your house, during the busy holiday season.
For Sellers:
- While trying to sell during the holidays, less is more. Minimize the amount of decorations displayed.
- Consider that large Christmas trees and other decorations can use up a lot of space in a room or outdoors. Again, less is more.
- Install holiday decorations 2 weeks before, take down 2 weeks or less after the holiday.
- Turn off lighted holiday decorations before showings; buyers should be focusing on your house, not the decorations.
- If you are having out-of-town guests, it is best to postpone showings until after your guests have departed.
- A display of summer photos of your lot and gardens remind buyers of all of your house's great features year-round.
- Remove all snow and ice from all doorways, walkways and the driveway before showings. Especially remove any signs of pet droppings in the yard- a big turn-off for buyers.
For Buyers:
- Before making an offer, ask your realtor for details on comparable homes from the last 30 to 60 days only.
- Try asking for concessions like having the appliances included, a closing cost credit or, a great help at this time of the year, snow removal until spring!
- A home inspector cannot always complete a visual inspection of a roof due to snow, or ascertain that the air conditioning is in good working order. Ask for an extension for the inspection of these items until the weather improves.
- It may take a couple of days to confirm a viewing appointment for homes during the holidays because everyone is so busy at this time. Prepare to be patient.
Both:
Do not plan on a closing date too close to the holiday season. Those who provide the professional services necessary for closing a transaction may be away on holidays. Plan on giving your lawyer or mortgage broker a few days' leeway either for before or after the holiday season.
Best wishes for a happy and safe holiday season!
Tammy Dufault*
Century 21 BJ Roth Realty Ltd., *sales rep.
