Is Selling Your Home During the Holidays a Good or Bad Idea? – Ask a Vancouver mortgage Broker

Is Selling Your Home During the Holidays a Good or Bad Idea? – Ask a Vancouver mortgage Broker

This a very common question. Clearly there are some good point and some bad points about either putting your house on the market or leaving out there if you already have it listed.

It actually depends on two main things to keep in mind. It depends on what you need to be doing and how the market is faring. Let’s face it, overall the holidays can be an inconvenient time of year to sell a home as the holidays have their own obvious challenges.

The weather and timing can make this time of year awkward. Some people who see your home being listed might think you are somewhat desperate to sell and might try to low ball you. On the other hand, if you’re a seller, you will be getting potentially serious buyers and not the run of the mill tire kickers and time wasters. Another advantage to selling at this time of year is that you have less competition from other sellers.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is a popular time for real estate agents to take some holidays, so make sure yours isn’t going to be off sunning themselves in theCaribbeanand that someone is available to show the place.

The holidays also require that you take a few extra steps in prepping your home for view by potential buyers. The holidays give you a chance to add a little extra colour to your home both inside and out which makes it appear more appealing. However, you should keep in mind that ‘less’ is better when it comes to decorations during the holiday season and you’re trying to sell your home.

Be conservative and don’t overdo it because you don’t want to over power the positive features of you home by covering them up with excess decorations either inside or outside.

Always make sure the exterior of the property has been cleaned up. If the property is bare of snow, take a little time to clean up the dead leaves, fallen branches and make sure the walk ways and driveway are ice and snow free. Don’t overdo it with the exterior Christmas lights and keep it subdued but cheerful.

Take advantage of the season to offer some Christmas treats such as baked goods or a Christmas beverage such as apple cider or eggnog (non-alcoholic). Nothing appeals to the senses more than the wonderful aroma of fresh baked goods such as cookies or tarts, and the holiday aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Speaking of scents, don’t forget to take advantage of the appealing natural scent of pine and spruce or cedar. You can use the natural boughs of the trees to create some wonderful table centerpieces and holiday boughs. Also, if you have a fireplace or wood stove, take advantage of it and get it going. And, don’t be shy to light a few Christmas scented candles – just don’t forget to extinguish them if you’re leaving the room vacant for any extended period of time.

Although you might personally prefer a large Christmas tree, you should use a smaller one when you’re trying to sell your home. They detract from the other positive features of the home and can overcrowd the space.  

The real key is that you don’t overdo the decorations and distract from your home’s positive selling features. The good news that you can take from this Vancouver mortgage broker is that people who are taking the time and effort to sell a home or see your home during the holiday are motivated, and that can make all the extra holiday effort well worth your while.