It isn’t always possible to control all areas of one’s life and that can be evident when an employer requests that you take a transfer to another job site.   This may seem particularly awkward if the work start date is in the immediate future and the relocation process is put in high gear.   Putting your home on the market and trying to sell it during the holiday season may seem like an impossible feat, but it can be done!

Most realtors say that the real estate market is “dead” during the holiday season and not a good time to list a property for sale.   I say that anytime has to be a good time when relocation is in process and time is of the essence.   Yes, traditionally this season is not statistically a high rate for home sales, but it can be a time to do all the right things so as to be ranked as a “sold” statistic.

First you need a relocation focused real estate agent who is willing to work during the holidays.   There are buyers out there and if the real estate agents are on the ball they will respond to a good home being introduced to the market.   You may questions as to the number of buyers available at this time of year and a point of fact is that you are transferring and requiring a purchase in a new destination.   This sort of buying activity has no time cycle in the relocation industry.   Transferees come and go at odd and different times and that always creates a market.

A real estate relocation specialist can properly advise the seller of the most effective and personalized marketing techniques available to guarantee a quick and profitable sale.   A full and precise market analysis is necessary to establish a list price that should result I a sale price at 3-5 percent of list price.   The first two weeks of the home listing is a critical marketing time for full and appropriate exposure.   The real estate professional has a marketing formula to make the most of this initial two week window.   The multiple listing system is a valuable and necessary tool and is extremely effective in communicating with all of the real estate professionals and ultimately their customers.

As the seller and a transferee you will feel enough stress without being overwhelmed by the sale of a home.   You need to put the process into perspective and keep the pressure at bay.   Simplicity is the rule!   Naturally the house needs to be made “sale ready” and it would be best to hire a cleaning professional to clean and help organize and a handy-man to address such things as leaky faucets, caulking tiles, paint touch-ups, etc.   I suggest that you maintain the cleaning professionals on a weekly basis and delegate as much as possible to lighten your load.  

Regardless of the fact that it is the holiday time and all of the expectations of holiday décor and trimmings, I caution against the time and energy expended in trying to maintain with past traditions.   I suggest that the holiday theme be kept to one room such as the family room where the family spends most of their time and can appreciate it more fully there.   Pass on the outdoor lighting and settle for a wreath for the front door.   A few poinsettia plants will brighten up a room and a scented potpourri is a welcoming touch.

If holiday baking is a favorite tradition then a nice touch would be to set out a plate of treats for the prospective appointments.   The aroma of mulled cider and cinnamon is inviting and when offered makes the prospect feel instantly at home.   The prospective buyer will take this opportunity to slow down and take a closer look around.   If the weather is snowy, keep the walkways and driveway shoveled and accessible.   To avoid missing appointments (and every appointment at this time of year is important) make appropriate arrangements with your agent to allow all customers accessibility through lock boxes or agent accompaniment.

To say the least, putting your house on the market is a test of patience, an inconvenience and an invasion of privacy.   Compounded with the stress of the holidays it may seem like a nightmare!   Be positive and feel confident that you are beating the odds and will be one of the few listings to come on the market at this time of year… and look to be noticed!