Should you show your home over the holidays? Let’s ask Patrick Finney.
Let’s face it. When it comes to selling your home, there really isn’t a convenient time. Keeping your home clean and preparing for constant interruptions is stressful at any time of the year.
But showing your home during the holidays could put some added strain on the process. That’s why we turned to FINN Real Estate’s Patrick Finney for tips about showing your home during the holiday season.
Should I decorate my house?
“Decorating for the holidays is acceptable,” says Patrick Finney, “but I would encourage you to stay away from anything too religious. Remind yourself that this is no longer your home – you want people to be able to envision it as their own. You don’t want a prospective buyer to be so distracted by religious decorations that they forget to focus on the home or simply cross it off their list.”
What if I can’t show my home at a specific time?
“You should always let your Realtor know when it’s okay to show your home,” advises Patrick Finney. “We have a Centralized Showing Service that coordinates everything. Giving as much notice as possible is always appreciated.”
Will I be disrupted all the time during the holiday season if my home is on the market?
“Sellers should be prepared to show their home at any time,” says Patrick Finney. “These showings can be very spur-of-the-moment, just like any other time of the year. Sometimes people are right out front because they’re driving around, see a “for sale” sign, and call the agent to see the home right away. So, make sure to prepare yourself for that.”
Are the holidays even a good time to show my home?
Yes, the holiday season can be a good time to sell your home. However, Patrick Finney also has this advice: “If you can hold off, spring is usually a higher demand time of the year because there are more buyers looking to make a move.”
Is there anything else I should consider when listing my home during the holidays?
“Ask yourself if you HAVE TO sell at this time of year or if you can wait for a stronger selling season,” advises Patrick Finney. “People tend to ‘shut down’ during this time of year, unless they’re investors – they are definitely still out looking. It’s also important to let your Realtor know about any changes to your schedule, such as guests or travel. Also, talking to your Realtor about things such as slower traffic from Thanksgiving to New Year’s is also important to you know what to expect.”
Patrick Finney is the owner and managing broker of FINN Real Estate in Denver, Colorado. He has been named a Five Star Agent by 5280 Magazine and has over 13 years of industry experience with $240,000,000 of real estate sold. He is an active supporter of many non-profits, including the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.