‘Should I list my home during the holidays?’

Q: I am thinking

about selling my home but am hesitant to list during the holidays as I fear that people’s focus isn’t on buying a home during that time. Is this true and when is the best time to list? A:

Everyone is different and everyone has their own “timing” of when they are going to buy their home. I have encountered people that are “too busy” to search for a home during the holidays; but at the same time, I have also worked with buyers who want a fresh start in the new year, including the reason of year-end tax planning, and therefore want to find a close on a home prior

to Jan. 1.

Generally inventory is tighter during the holidays, so it can definitely be a great time to sell your home. Your first thought may be that people are too preoccupied to be focusing on buying a home, but now with the Internet and smartphones, finding a home can be a simple click away. Q:

I am working on preparing my home to list on the market. I have all my holiday decorations up but I don’t want to steer potential buyers away because of my holiday spirit. Should I do away with my decoration entirely? A:

You’ve got one shot at making a first impression, and it’s important that it’s a welcoming one. Holiday decorations can get a little tricky because you want to enhance your home but you don’t want to alienate buyers. With that said, there’s nothing wrong with decking the halls, just make sure to keep things as neutral as possible. For example, holiday scented candles, a lit fireplace, greenery like a wreath on the door— all bring a sense of warmth and elegance to the home, while also making it inviting to everyone.

My home has been on the market for a while now. While I understand a price reduction is necessary, I want to make sure I reduce it at the right time. Should I wait until after the holidays to do so?

A stale listing, isn’t a good listing and it’s always good to keep things fresh… and that means reducing the price when needed. Just as I stated before, inventory is generally tighter during the holiday season and serious buyers take their home searching process, well, seriously. And with technology now and up-tothe-minute information and accessibility, even the North Pole will be alerted of your newly reduced listing.

Have a question for Samantha (Sam) DeBeanchi? Email her at Sam@DeBianchiRealEstate.com. Sam is a Realtor® and founder of DeBianchi Real Estate in Fort Lauderdale and Miami.