‘Tis the Season … for Selling? Holiday Staging Tips for Home Sellers

Historically, the holiday season is a slow season for home buying and selling. More people are interested in spending time with family than moving house. But some people have no choice but to move during the holiday season. These serious buyers have fewer options than in the spring and summer months. Take advantage of the low inventory to sell your home quickly without sacrificing your holiday celebrating.

Who’s buying over the holidays?

There are many reasons why buyers have to house hunt over the holidays. They may be relocating to the Buffalo/Rockford area or trying to add an investment property to their inventory before the end of the year. Some know that there is fewer competition for homes during the late fall and early winter. Whatever the reason, holiday buyers are often motivated and serious about house hunting.

Won’t showings cut into my holiday and family time?

Not when you work with a reputable Realtor®. He or she will help you set a competitive price for your home and identify buyers who are hunting on a tight deadline, increasing your chances of a quick sale. Your Realtor® can also help you create a calendar for showings so you have time to spend enjoying the holiday season.

How can I decorate my home for the holidays and sell it?

Believe it or not, most holiday décor does not deter buyers. But you do want to avoid decorations that detract from the selling points of your home. Don’t let a giant inflatable Santa Claus distract buyers from your home’s phenomenal curb appeal. Large Christmas trees can show off ceiling height, but take up lots of floor space.

As you’re setting out your holiday décor, place items in ways that show off your space. Show off a grand banister in the foyer with an aromatic evergreen garland. Highlight alcoves and built-ins with your Santa or nutcracker collection.

Once you’re done decorating, try to keep your home as clean as possible. When you have a showing, crank up the heat, put on all the lights, and offer a place for buyers to put their coats and boots. Make sure the sidewalks and stoops are clear of snow and ice.

The holidays can be a great time to sell your home, especially with an experienced Realtor® by your side. To learn more about selling your home over the holidays, contact Trent Shipley at Keller Williams Realty Integrity NW.

Sources:

HGTV

HGTV

Realtor®.com

Dreaming of Warmer Weather?

Find Your Dream Winter Vacation Home with These Tips

The recent plunge in temperatures throughout Minnesota has many people already dreading frigid winter days

and dreaming of warmer climes. If you’re one of them, you may be thinking about purchasing a home in a warmer region to spend your winters in.

The process of purchasing a faraway home is a bit different than buying one nearby. Prospective snowbirds need to do their research before flying straight into a purchase agreement.

Initial Questions for Snowbirds

Before starting your snowbird search, think through the following questions to discover if you can afford to winter down south and if you’re searching in the best region and community for you.

1.     Are you able to carry the expenses of two households if you choose to maintain your Minnesota home? Or, are you hoping to downsize your Minnesota home or move south permanently?

2.     Are there rental markets for your Minnesota home and new home that could offset costs when you’re not there?

3.     Are you familiar with the region you’re considering moving to? Are there specific communities you’d like to move into?

4.     Are the taxes in your new state higher or lower than what you’re used to paying?

Snowbird Home Shopping Tips

Because you’ll likely be searching for homes from hundreds of miles away, it’s important to have a good plan for home shopping. Create a timeline that outlines how much time you’ll need to prepare your Minnesota home for sale or renting and contact a Realtor® to set a competitive asking price.

Get prequalified for a loan for your new home if you plan on financing your purchase. Start to check out the housing inventory in the areas you’re interested in, and once you narrow down on a city or community, start to interview Realtors®. Your agent in Minnesota may be able to make a recommendation for you, too.

As you narrow your options, it may make sense to plan a trip to meet with your Realtor® and tour homes. It would be a great time to learn as much as you can about the area and with the specifics of the area’s real estate and tax laws.

Once you’ve found a home and had your offer accepted, hire an inspector to thoroughly look over the property. You’ll need to be present at the closing to sign papers and get the keys to your new place.

If you’re a snowbird ready to migrate to warmer weather this winter, contact Trent Shipley at Keller Williams Realty Integrity NW for a free market analysis of your Minnesota home.