Tag Archives: home selling tips

Soleil Sotheby Christmas Decorated Front Door

Should Sellers Decorate their Homes During the Holiday Season?

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Today, there are just over 1 million homes for sale in the United States. While the holiday season is spent decorating with bright lights and vibrant colors for many homeowners, Americans selling their homes are hesitant. If your home is on the market, you are likely wondering to what degree you should decorate this year. After all, many real estate agents discourage clutter and personal items when prospective buyers are likely to stop by. So the question remains, can homeowners selling their homes still decorate for the holiday season?

The primary reason many realtors discourage personal items and clutter within the home is because clutter can make a space feel cramped and personal items will often inhibit a viewer from being able to imagine themselves within the space. Although holiday decorations will fill up space within the home, they can also make a home feel warmer and more welcoming if done correctly. For this reason, many realtors recommend that sellers use only minimal holiday trimmings and decorations in order to keep the home looking as spacious as possible. A few small holiday items will likely do the trick, as too many decorations can also be a distraction to viewers.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that the seller may be decorating their home for a holiday that prospective buyers do not celebrate. In order to keep your home welcoming and inclusive, it is best not to use overtly symbolic decorations and instead lean more towards festive decorations. For this, most realtors recommend one sign if at decoration within the living room and another welcoming holiday decorations by the door.

Most realtors agree to keep the holiday decorations in storage until after the shoot when it comes to staging photos. If your home takes months to sell, staging photos that show holiday decorations may seem odd and deter potential viewers from stopping by. This means that if your home’s listing photo shoot is scheduled for the holiday season, you may need to put off decorating. However, once the photos have been taken, feel free to decorate your home with tasteful decorations.

Lastly, Soleil Sotheby’s International Realty recommends sellers take down any holiday decorations immediately after the holidays. Although some American families enjoy keeping their holiday decorations up until Valentine’s Day, it will likely hinder buyer interest and make the home appear unkempt and dated.

The Secret to Selling in a Buyer’s Market

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While listing your home in a seller’s market would be most ideal, situations like the need to relocate or downside could force you to list when buyers have the upper hand. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to take control in a buyer’s market. Though your home might not break out in a bidding war the day after it’s listed, these tips will still help you sell quickly, while getting the best return on your investment.

 Prep Your Home

Before putting your property on the market, you need whip it into shape.  In addition to cleaning your home, you need to clear out the clutter and depersonalize. The key to getting buyers interested is to make your home appeal to them. If your home is filled with junk or personal mementos, then the buyer can’t envision themselves living in the space. Store your personal belonging in storage while it’s on the market.

Also prep your home by making any small repairs and improvements. Smart improvements include painting the walls a neutral color, updating outdated knobs and hardware, and fixing that leaky faucet.  If it fits in your budget, hire a professional stager to show buyers how the can really maximize the space. Typically, staged homes sell faster than non-staged ones.

Take Good Photos

For buyers, their home search is likely beginning online. It’s important for your listing to include some great photos and even a video tour to entice buyers to come out and see it in person. Include clear photos of both the interior and exterior.

Offer to Cover Closing Costs or Repairs

Just because you’re selling in a buyer’s market doesn’t mean you have to slash the price. If you have an interested buyer who needs some financial wiggle room, offer to pay for closing costs, moving costs, or repairs. Paying for closing costs is appealing to buyers because it provides them with money they need upfront and will make them more inclined to seal the deal.

Covering the cost of moving or repairs can also help you make a sale.  Instead of doing the repairs yourself, lower your selling price to accommodate the repair that needs to be done.

Choose the Right Agent

Working with the best agent can mean the difference between selling your home and having it sit on the market. Choose an experienced real estate agent who has vast experience selling in your community.  A good agent will make sure your home is priced correctly, the right upgrades were made, and that it’s up to code.  You realtor will also oversee the negotiations to get you the best deal.

If you’re selling your home at the Jersey Shore, call on our leading Margate, NJ real estate agents to assist you: 609.487.8000.