You might think that property buyers switch off over the summer holiday months, choosing to spend time with friends and family; however, experience tells us this is not always the case.
Serious buyers are motivated, sometimes signing contracts at the 11th hour on Christmas Eve. However, listing after the holidays have already started does come with the risk of missing out on buyers seeing your home because they are away on vacation.
Because listing numbers traditionally do drop over the summer holidays, you can do it with less competition if you do need to sell. Your home will stand out as one of the few available, and buyers who just missed out on properties before Christmas will be keen.
The summer holidays are the perfect time to showcase the ‘great Australian dream of owning your own home, especially if you live in a coastal area like we do here in the Shire or have a unique outdoor entertaining area or pool to show off.
The big question is, should you decorate your home for Christmas while trying to sell? The answer is yes, but you should keep these things in mind …
Decorate and celebrate!
Selling your home during the festive season doesn’t mean your family can’t decorate and celebrate! Putting up all the Christmas decorations can give your family a sense of celebration during what may be an otherwise stressful time because moving is never easy, especially when you have built memories. If you have children, it may make the transition easier since they will still get to see the wonder of Christmas lights and other decorations.
Decorating your home for Christmas may also give potential buyers an idea of what the home could look like during the holidays. Buyers can envision themselves in the house surrounded by Christmas decorations and a tree. Seeing the potential of a home can help draw buyers in to make the final decision on buying.
Neighbourhood Cheer
If you live in an area where the neighbours go all out with external Christmas decorations for the holidays, you should do the same! It will give the overall feel of the neighbourhood being welcoming and friendly. The eye buys, after all, and you don’t want to be the Grinch sitting there with a bah humbug home because you didn’t decorate!
Decorating Tips
Avoid any religious decorations as it could turn buyers off from the home who don’t follow the same religion.
Be sure not to block essential parts of your home so buyers can see what the house has to offer, and don’t leave gifts out under the tree when you have people viewing the home, just in case!
Lastly, be sure not to overdo it with decorations since it can make the home feel smaller and cluttered.
If you’re thinking about selling or getting your property ready for the market over the Summer Holiday months, give #teametchells a call, and we’ll speak to you about the best way forward.
Donna Etchells - McGrath Estate Agents 