Do you want to sell your house in Kansas City but you’re unsure if the holiday season is the best time? We can help determine if now is the right time and give you some tips that will help you be successful during the holiday season.
First off, the holiday season can be a great time to sell! There are fewer houses on the market and your house will be one of them. People moving during the holidays are usually motivated and have a good reason to find a house quickly. You will often find many people who are ready to purchase ASAP! This article will help you with some tips that will put your house at the top of holiday buyers lists.
Think: Warm, Clean and Welcoming
No matter who you are or where you live, people like to feel warm and welcoming when walking in. During showings or open houses, you can offer seasonal snacks such as cookies. Offer coffee, hot cocoa, apple cider or egg nog. A lit fireplace can be a great touch, if you have one.
Seasonal scents can create a welcoming environment that buyers are looking for. Gingerbread, pine, or cinnamon are great options…. just not all at once!
As always, you want to make sure your house is very clean and uncluttered. This is one of the most overlooked and missed items by sellers. Make sure all surfaces are clean, dust and clutter free. The buyer needs to feel like they could move right in and not feel like someone else was there recently.
Hire a Designer or Stager
Hiring a professional to decorate or stage your house is very effective. A professional will be able to help guide you in the right direction with an impartial eye.
Working with a designer or a staging professional can be expensive but is often worth the investment. Professionally staged houses often sell for a higher amount and sell faster.
Be purposeful with your holiday decorations
Use your holiday décor sparingly. Most of us have mismatched or hodgepodge decorations that we have acquired over the years. When you’re selling a house during the holiday season you want to have appropriate décor but it should be coordinated and limited. Rudolph with the missing nose should stay in the basement or attic this season. Sorry Rudolph.
In addition, personalized items can make prospective buyers feel as if they are intruding. When you are showing the house, put away stockings with names and decorations made by the kids. Of course, you can put them back out the minute your guests have left.
Don’t Forget Curb Appeal
The front of the house is the first thing buyers see during a showing. If your curb appeal isn’t what the buyer is looking for, it’s almost impossible to overcome. Make sure the yard is clean and maintained. Including simple and tasteful exterior decorations is a good idea. Just like the inside, don’t go overboard. Keep up with your neighbors but don’t try to be the most extravagant in the neighborhood.
Market to The Right Audience
Think about who or why someone would be buying during the holidays. A family might be moving or relocating during the holiday break. Parents might be trying to switch school districts during the holiday break. An investor might be looking to purchase a property before the year end. A student might be finishing school during winter break and is now looking for a home. Advertise and market your property where you are likely to reach these individuals.
Be optimistic and positive, use some “out of the box” ideas to find a buyer! If you don’t find your buyer during the holidays, don’t sweat it…. January around the corner and the market will be heating back up.
Thanks for reading and Happy Holidays!
Do you want to sell your house in Kansas City? No matter what time of the year, we can help! Send us a message, or give our office a call today!
Thanks for reading and Happy Holidays!