Selling Your Home During the Holiday Season
Rhonda Heaslip | 10 November, 2007

Selling your home over the holidays can be a bit of a challenge. There are fewer buyers out there and it can take longer. On the upside, there is also less competition on the market and the buyers that are out there, for the most part, are the serious ones who ready to buy.

According to the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB)statistics for 2006 at this time of year, the average time it took to sell single family homes was as follows: 67 days in September, 53 days in October, 51 days in November and 59 days in December

At the time this article was written this year's statistics were only available up to September 30th. September 2007 showed 51 days as the average time to sell.

Based on this information one can reasonably assume that it would likely take approximately 50 - 60 days to sell at this time of year if the home is priced and marketed properly.

If your home does end up sitting on the market for longer, it may be a good idea to take it off the market and re-list in the early spring (end of February). During the time it is off a re-assessment of it's general condition, staging, curbside appeal, pricing and marketing stategy would be appropriate. Deal with any issues at that time and then re-list with a fresh new approach.

Preparing for sale at this time of year should be done with a critical eye. Here are some things that can help set your property apart and place it out in front of the competition.

1)  Pay attention to curb appeal: Lists can be narrowed down simply on the drive-by. A clean and well manicured yard and exterior says a lot about your home.

2) De-clutter and de-personalose. Only essential furniture, the best pieces, should be out to create a greater sense of space. Use paintings and other well chosen home decor to highlight but don't overdo it...less can be better by far.

3) Handyman day: Fix everything from burned out lightbulbs, wall dings and holes, squeaky doors, broken taps on up. This will show a well maintained home where pride in ownership is evident.

4) Paint where needed or everywhere if necessary. This is an excellent investment to bring great return on your dollar. Neutral designer colours should be used.

5) When it is being shown: It should always be clean and presentable. Cozy it up with careful Christmas decorating to welcome your prospective buyers...'tis the season! There is nothing like coming home to Christmas, soft lighting and music and perhaps the scent of fresh baking. Set the mood and paint the picture for them.

6) Choose an excellent agent; one who is knowledgeable, personable and motivated.

7) Make sure that the price is right. Too low and you risk not maximizing your potential profit. Too high and it could sit on the market indefinitely. You should only price it according to what the market will bear.

8) Your home should always be available for appointments.

9)Be flexible in negotiations. You needn't give away the farm by any means; just be willing to give and take. Your Realtor will guide you through this with your best interests at heart.

While selling over the holidays can be a challenge, if approached properly one can be successful. Common sense and patience always pay off in the end.

Most of all, through it all, enjoy being with your family and enjoy the spirit of the holiday season. Merry Christmas!

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