The holiday season is busy for us all. But if you are planning a move during the holidays, keeping your regular holiday routine will be a challenge. Here are some tips so that you can maintain your holiday traditions while moving:
Tips for the Seller
Put up some of your seasonal decorations, especially making your front yard and entranceway appealing and safe. While you may not be able to put up the whole train table this year since it impedes the flow of walking through your living room, a small amount of seasonal decorations makes your home welcoming which is a good feel for potential buyers. After all, the new owners will be celebrating holidays, too, and it’s fine for them to see that setting in the home.
If you cannot put out your decorations, playing seasonal music and watching traditional holiday movies can still put you in the holiday spirit! Holiday smells are appealing to buyers so bake those cookies – just be sure to offer a couple to prospective buyers who view your home.
If you are the one who usually hosts the whole gang, ask someone else to host this year so that there are no time conflicts with potential showings. If no one else is willing or able to host, consider having your gathering in a church or banquet hall or other rental facility.
Tips for the Buyer
Be considerate of your realtor’s holiday schedule with her own family. You may have off Christmas Eve, but ask her when she has family plans so that she is able to celebrate with her family, too. You may also need to be flexible with the schedules of sellers and their own family gatherings as well.
Some buyers may put their house hunt on pause for the holiday season. That means for serious buyers there may be more opportunity to find a house that fits your family since there are less people looking. Be ready to make an offer when you see the house for you.
If you are looking to buy a home, chances are you have already started the packing process. Don’t forget to leave some decorations on display so that your home can still feel familiar to your family. This also is a good time to pass along some decorations you may have forgotten about or don’t care for anymore. If it’s been buried in the garage for ten years, chances are you won’t miss it if you don’t own it!
Keep Your Focus
Whether you are buying or selling a home this holiday season, don’t forget to focus on what matters most even during this busy time of transition: family, friends, and faith.
If you are facing a move this holiday season, contact Amy Shair. She is passionate about helping you find the right home at any time of year.
