Don't take your Home off the Market During the Holidays

Many of us are incredibly busy over the holiday months trying to organize parties and dinners that the thought keeping a house in “show time” condition during the holidays may seem close to impossible. In opposition, others may feel that there will be no traffic at all, so why keep it listed?

It is understandable why so many would find it easy just to take the house off the market until the New Year. If you are too busy, then why wouldn’t potential buyers also be too busy? What if you do keep it listed and receive an offer? The thought of packing up and moving during the busiest season of the year could seem overwhelming. Don’t be discouraged and don’t forget that your Realtor is there to help in any way.

Your house definitely won’t sell if it isn’t on the market, so what is the logic in taking it off? There are actually many advantages in trying to sell your house during the holidays. Most people take off work sometime during the season. Husbands and wives have off from work, which agents like because families can view the homes together and have more time. With many motivated buyers in the marketplace, you may find you have more showings than you would if you sold your home during a busier time of the year.
Before you take your home off the market, consider the following points:
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 after the busy spring and summer rush. They know that it will be easier to look, and that negotiations will be less stressful.

Relocating families often don't have a choice when they can leave for their new destination. 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 Year's Eve, the timing couldn't be more perfect.

When is your home ever more beautiful and inviting? During the holidays! You have cleaned and decorated, and your home looks festive and inviting. If the results are good enough for family and friends, they will surely be good enough to impress your buyers. Get family members to do a five-minute pick-up every morning to keep holiday messes to a minimum. Allowing buyers to view your home during the holidays lets them better picture their own family life in the attractive environment you have created.

Finally, if you do get a contract, you can arrange the terms to suit your needs. If moving during the holidays isn't an option, you can put in the closing date of your choice. Most people can close 30 to 60 days after a contract is written, so there is plenty of time. Possession and closings are very negotiable.