On the Market now or come back in the Spring?

There are several folks who might argue to wait, not me. I strongly urge my clients and any prospective clients to list or remain listed over the holidays.

The holiday season allows you to showcase your house in a festive way which will allow prospective buyers to visualize how they might be able to enjoy your house with their families over the years. Clark Griswold in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” might have gone a little overboard with his lights, but if he was selling his house he might have had it just right!

To prove my point I looked at results from the end of last year and the beginning of this year and found between November 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013 we actually Closed 180 units which is an average of 36/ month. When I looked at the rest of the year to make a comparison I found we only averaged 37 units!

Looks like the market doesn’t slow down for the holidays!!

By the way, being on the Market during the Holiday Season does not mean having to schedule Christmas Dinner around a showing, or arranging access while preparing for your New Year’s Eve party. It just means being available on line for folks to see and evaluate during the period so that convenient showings can be scheduled.

There are also several other reasons to list now or remain listed over the holidays which are more tangible and might be more important to folks looking for a second home for leisure and enjoyment.

Folks looking for a summer destination are looking during the holidays so they can make their purchase and renovate before the April/May timeframe reserved for decorating their purchase. Everyone wants to be ready for the Memorial Day activities.

The buyers who are purchasing second homes usually find out how well they did in 2013 and how much their bonus is likely to be during the fourth quarter. So while they are motivated you want to make sure your house is among the possibilities they will consider.

Homes decorated for the holidays show a warmth and happiness that can translate to a buyer as they visualize their family enjoying their new destination in the country. A fire in the fireplace and a decorated tree sure looks warm and inviting to me!

Many buyers of second homes are making their purchases for the enjoyment factor. But some are also looking at the tax implications which motivate them to get certain transactions completed during the current year.

This year, more than previous years, Mortgage Money and getting financing is going to become more difficult as new regulations become fully implemented (Dodge-Frank Regulations). Smart buyers are moving up their purchase dates to allow for extended periods of scrutiny by the banks to make sure they can enjoy their purchases this summer.

The Holidays are emotional times for most people, including home shoppers. Holiday decorations, presented tastefully and sensibly, can help wrap a bow on your home for just the right buyer.

By the way, I have buyers who I will be showing houses to over the Holidays, I hope our paths cross!!