When selling a house, besides price, I would say the presentation is the most important thing, wouldn't you? When you're selling your house, don't you want to give the impression that you would entertain a quick closing if presented with an offer today, to close in less than 30 days?
I understand we're approaching the Holiday Season, however, the below house has had Holiday lights and decorations up on his house for over three weeks already. Yes, right after Halloween. I drive by this house everyday, and just shake my head.
When I have a buyer who is looking at houses towards the end of the year, one of the things that they always ask is, "Do you think the sellers would move before the holidays?" They have their house for sale; they're supposed to want to move as soon as possible, but seeing all these elaborate decorations can turn a buyer off.
I'm not saying a home owner can't decorate for the Holiday Season, but isn't there a conversation home owners should be having with their listing agent about how to keep things to a minimum to show the buyers they're not having to stay put for a couple of more months?
Plus, if you're wanting to move, why unpack boxes that have been packed for a year already when you should be busy packing more boxes to declutter your house for staging??
Presentation is important, and your presentation should always say that you're ready to close and move tomorrow!
**Are You Packed Yet?**
Donna Harris, REALTOR®
RE/MAX Austin Skyline
www.DonnaHomes.com
Donna@DonnaHomes.com
Austin TX Real Estate and the surrounding areas of Lakeway, Bee Cave, West Lake Hills, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Spicewood, Circle-C, Steiner Ranch, and everywhere in between... Hill Country Austin TX Real Estate and beyond. Whether you're buying or selling an Austin home, I'll be with you every step of the way.
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Copyright© 2009 By Donna Harris, All Rights Reserved. You may re-blog with links back to this post.
* Even During the Holidays, Presentation is Important! * was first published on donnahomesblog.com
Donna if I was the buyers agent I would put it in the contract that the decorations stay... :O) It does look pretty.
I love it! It would make me WANT to buy it!
Is it too early to say MERRY CHRISTMAS yet?
I'd have to disagree. Unfortunately when majority rules there are plenty that walk away unhappy or feeling disassociated.
Christmas is big deal and it appears these people are very excited about the holidays. The majority will see it that way.
This was probably a FSBO and they really didn't want to sell anyway! ***winks***
Donna, perhaps a buyer could include a clause in the contract saying that the Christmas lights convey!
Christmas lights? Love 'em. Empty brochure box? FAIL.
I think the lights do the house wonders as it shows off it's architectural details during these early nights. Unfortunately, the mixed bag of Christmas decorations definitely should be removed as you suggest. I think the decorations fall into the same category as over personalizing the space.
It would look out of place if everyone else had lights and was decorated and this house had none. I say celebrate the season; the lights could come down quickly if necessary.
At least the lights look professionally done. Maybe they can be just as quickly professionally removed. I understand what you're saying though, they don't appear to expect an offer any time soon. My clients always notice boxes already packed. They think, maybe we can get a deal, they're ready to go!
In our neighborhood if you have had lights up before this coming weekend you probably got a nice letter and a warning of a fine because our HOA does not allow lights yet... ~Rita
Hi Donna... I often tell sellers that to stage a property well it should be as religion neutral as possible. This home, while lovely, and while I personally enjoy the decorations, would fail that test.
June, Not me...
Ron, Yes, it's too early!
Greg, With all the relocation happening in and around Texas, the majority is not what it used to be.
Ruth, Yeah right....
Pat, To each their own.
Leonard, Their brochure box is empty every day and has been since the sign went up. House for sale across the street and also has a constantly empty box.
James, People aren't looking at the house at night unless they're driving around on their own, and yes, it definitely crosses the line of depersonalizing.
C & C, It's out of place because they've had lights up since Halloween!
Aja, The lights, yes, but the other stuff in the yard looks trashy as there are three different Santas.
Rita, I wish there were restrictions like that. Some people keep them up year round so they don't have to put them off and on.
Steve, EXACTLY!!
Hi Donna
This is great food for thought. It sure does make since to have those decorations to a manageable amount if you really want a sale.
I was wondering about agents thoughts on a house that is listed for sale and is decorated. Too funny that this post is hear. Literally, I thought about it over the past 24 hours or so. You make a good point that this is a clear sign that the family is not looking to move before 12/25... especially this family who has had their stuff displayed since Halloween.
In addition to the issue of curb appeal, what about Thanksgiving?!? We have chosen to take the weekend after Thanksgiving and put up Christmas decorations as a family.
Our circles are apparently our raw stats. The people I meet, know, see, and talk to are the majority in my mind.
Trey, That's what I'm saying....
John, It definitely shows they still view the house as a home and it'll be harder for them to let go and actually accept an offer from a buyer.
Integrity, People are always one step ahead and not respecting the current holiday coming up.
Greg, To an extent... but when you have a seller, it's other agent's people who they meet with, know, see, and talk to.
Donna - The majority relies on the understanding of others. And no you can't have the last word.