This time of year, people’s thoughts begin to turn  towards the festivities  and traditions associated with Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Years and other holidays.

For homesellers across the region, this time of year traditionally means they take their home off the market, get through the Holidays and relist in the New Year.  Well, we’ve got a few reasons to consider keeping your home on the market during the Holiday season:

• People who look for a home during the Holidays are generally more serious Buyers ~ that last minute scramble to pick up the house won’t be for a casual looker just adding your home on the tour.
• Serious Buyers have fewer properties to choose from during the Holidays ~ basic supply and demand means less competition and potentially a higher sales price for you.  
• On the flip side, the listing supply will dramatically increase in January ~ again, basic supply and demand means more competition and potentially a lower sales price for you.
• Staging almost takes care of itself during the Holidays ~ homes show very well when decorated ~ and that yummy baking aroma wafting throughout the home is usually for real.
• Holiday schedules and vacations create a bit more time for Buyers to get out and look at properties than during a typical work week.
• Traditionally, January is the month for relocating employees to begin new positions.  Many transferees cannot wait until Spring to purchase so having your home on the market during the Holidays allows you to  tap into this market.
• Depending on the Buyer’s situation, you may be able to negotiate an extended closing or delayed occupancy to avoid moving during the holidays.
• By selling during the Holidays, you will likely have the opportunity to be a non-contingent Buyer in the Spring ~ when many more properties are on the market ~ in effect, potentially selling high and buying low.

So consider bucking tradition this year and keep that HHB Partners “For Sale” sign in the yard. You may very well find yourself celebrating the holidays or just plain celebrating in a new home in the New Year.