Traditionally many sellers would avoid the winter months as a time frame to actively market their house.   This year we have a powerful reason to market now vs. later.  With the first time home buyer credits extended and expanded, it is important as a seller to take advantage of these incentives.  NOW!   

 Recent incentives provided a healthy lift in number of homes sold.    There was also a significant lift in “regular” houses (not foreclosure/ short sale) sold with these incentives. These incentives offered an important marketing opportunity for anyone thinking of selling.

 It’s important to remember that relocations, changing family needs, economics, etc., all drive buyers to market year round and winter months can offer ample selling opportunities.  The fact is sellers can get significant exposure, because others are pulling homes off of the market for the winter season, if they are properly prepared.  Just another benefit of selling now vs. later.

 If you are going to list a home this time of year, there are some important strategies to make the winter selling season work for you.  Important factors to consider are: pricing, curb appeal, cleanliness, organization, staging, minor updates and repairs.  Remember to get professional help if you need it, because time is money in today’s market.

  Whether you choose to list now or later, it’s never too late to start preparing.  Proper preparation and research will allow homeowners to make the best decisions possible to ensure a quick and profitable sale.

Seasonal Décor

Are you known for your over-the-top seasonal décor? 

The holidays, especially Christmas, give us a great opportunity to pull out all the stops-and compete with the Joneses across the street-in our outdoor decorations.

 And while seasonal décor is a lot of fun, and may be a family tradition, it can distract buyers from enjoying the exterior beauty of your house.  The giant inflatable snow-globes at Christmas and the monstrous spider web at Halloween are perfect examples. Inside the house, an over-abundance of seasonal décor will detract from a tasteful color scheme or the well laid-out floor plan, and will make the home appear cluttered.

 Over-the-top decorations are fun when you are living in and enjoying your home, but they can detract from the important aspects of a home that buyers are seeking.  Sellers need to be aware that some traditions may need to be toned down-or put on hold–until the house is sold.

When you are selling, ask yourself, “What do I want the buyers to remember about my house?”   The only thing you want them to remember is the great layout, tasteful color scheme, beautiful exterior architecture and your lovely shrubs and trees…not the outlandish décor, inside or out.

To view more before and after pics visit  http:/www.impactids.com

My perception is Realtors are afraid to recommend Staging. With staging support; the smart Realtors(R) I work with, are having banner sales even in this very tough market.  I do not understand why more do not jump on the bandwagon….They have nothing to loose by suggesting the sellers learn about this tool.