Monday, December 19, 2005

Should I wait to list my home?

I received three emails asking the same question: "Should I wait until next year or next spring to list my home for sale?"

Each home seller has unique problems selling their home. Without knowing all the details for your particular home and situation, this question is too hard to answer properly.

First, is your home ready to show? Did you prepare your home for showing?

Second, are the agents in your area working during the holiday season or taking time off? How active is your market?

Some reasons to list now:

1. You must sell because of financial problems.
2. You need to relocate.
3. You found a great home to move to and can get a bargain on it now.
4. Interest rates may go up and make it harder for a new buyer to qualify for the higher payment.
5. Buyers shopping during the holidays and cold weather really want to buy. You won't get as many people just looking.

If you want to list now, make sure your agent will take phone calls and WORK.

Use home staging to make your home feel like a safe, warm haven. Here's a checklist so you don't forget in your holiday business:

1. Turn the heat up. (You might feel warm from running around, but your buyers will be coming in from the cold.)
2. Light a fire.
3. Turn on all the lights. Use amber light bulbs to create a warm glow.
4. Play generic soft music without words.
5. Bake oatmeal or sugar cookies with lots of cinnamon. (Have the mixture ready in your refrigerator so you can pop the cookies in at the last minute.)
6. If you don't have any fresh flowers, cut some greenery from your garden like tree branches or evergreen bushes.
7. Dry your sinks and polish faucets. Water spots detract.

If you have specific questions, please email me from my websites.

Jeanette Fisher
Joy to the Home, Design Psychology
Homes for glorious living and top-dollar sales
Home Staging Tips

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