The question comes up all the time “Should we list a home during the holidays!” Not only should it be listed, but it should be staged. Let’s look at some facts.
The real estate market is no longer just seasonal, where families wait for the summer to move because of their school aged children. According to the US Census Bureau more people, especially those over the age of 45, are moving after the school year has begun. Empty nesters for example tend to move in late fall and late winter. Many of these buyers are actively looking for homes during the holidays, and they are serious.
Non traditional buyers are an increasingly important factor in the home buying market. According to the National Association of Realtors 18% of home buyers are single women, 11% are single men and 5% are unmarried couples. Adding to this increasing market are year round school families and corporate transfers. To the sellers the winter months can be advantageous because there are fewer homes on the market. Less inventory can mean less competition.
Taking in the romance and sentimentality of the holidays with a professionally staged home gives you the recipe for a successful sale. Staging during the holiday appeals to all the senses. Here are some holiday staging tips to remember.
* Sight: Use amber-colored lights that give off a rich warm glow. Switch out your regular white light bulbs to create a warm feeling. Use seasonal items, such as poinsettias, evergreen branches and colored ribbons. Avoid displaying any religious icons.
* Touch: Add velvet and silk to table tops for softness. By seeing smooth textures the brain registers the feeling of warmth and softness.
* Sound: Play gentle well known music without words. The music makes the buyer feel light and happy and sets the mood.
* Smell: Simmer cider with orange slice and cinnamon. Avoid using artificial spray as many people have reactions to the chemicals. Fresh cut evergreen branches are another great idea.
* Taste: Believe it or not. YES! The sense of smell contributes to the sense of taste. Treat the prospective buyer to some chocolate chip cookies or cinnamon muffins. Bake one hour before a showing.
Homes do sell during the holidays! Professionally staged homes stand out from the crowd. Buyers spend more time in a home that has been staged for the holidays. The prospective buyers will envision spending their next holiday season in your holiday staged listing.
