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Home-selling For the Holidays

by The Hat Team

The holiday season is officially upon us.  We’ve watched the parades, eaten the turkeys and started the shopping!  It can be a stressful time of year under the best of circumstances, but if you have your house on the market, you might be feeling a little more anxiety than usual. With so much going on, it might seem like the worst possible time to be trying to sell your house. But don’t despair…selling a house during the holidays is not an impossible dream.  In fact, it can be a great time to show your house at its very best! Follow these tips to help you successfully sell your house this holiday season:

  • Feel free to decorate, but don’t go overboard.  You want your home to look its best while still enjoying your personal touch.  Avoid large decorations that can be overwhelming or distracting.  Remember that potential buyers want be able to envision your home as their own.
     
  • Make your home feel inviting. If it’s cold outside, make it warm and cozy inside. Play soft, classical music and offer homemade holiday treats. If potential buyers are comfortable, they will spend more time in your home and will be able to appreciate all its best features.
     
  • There will be motivated buyers this time of year. If people are house hunting during the holidays, they probably have a good reason for doing so. For example, they may be relocating for a job or investing for a tax deduction.  If they are on a deadline, they will be highly driven to find a home quickly.  It may be worth it to do the extra work involved in showing your home during the holiday season.
     
  • Price your home to sell.  A home that is reasonably priced for the market will make buyers feel merry and bright.  Many real estate agents advise sellers to initially price their home to sell rather than making small price reductions over time.
     
  • Provide photos that show your home year round.  Yards and landscaping aren’t always at their best during the winter months.  Make sure that potential buyers see the beauty of your home during other times of year when the grass is greener and trees and flowers are in bloom.
     
  • Create a video tour for the web. You might get less foot traffic during the holidays due to the busyness of the season.  By posting a video tour, you may attract house hunters who don’t have time to physically go to your home.

If your house is on the market this holiday season and you have questions about the best way to present it to potential buyers, don’t hesitate to call the professional Realtors at Sandra Nickel Hat Team for advice at 334-834-1500.

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Dont-Be-Deceived-by-Real-Estate-Myths

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Preparing-to-Sell-Your-House-Getting-Organized

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/The-Pros-and-Cons-of-Having-an-Open-House

‘Tis the Season to Give Back

by The Hat Team

The holiday season is the perfect time of year to show how grateful we are by helping others in need.  Not everyone will spend the holidays in a warm home surrounded by loved ones, but those of us that will can make the season a little bit brighter by donating time, food and gifts to those less fortunate.  To make it a little easier for you to do so, here is a list of places where you can volunteer or make donations in the Montgomery area:

The Salvation Army of Montgomery AL - The Salvation Army serves the most vulnerable citizens in our community in many ways. You can help by making a donation or by volunteering your time and energy.

Hands on River Region - Adopt a family in need through the Christmas Clearinghouse Project. Through this program you can provide for the needs of one family and make their Christmas a little brighter.  You can also build a care basket of items that food stamps and public assistance don’t provide for.  If you don’t have time for either of those options, monetary donations are always welcomed and appreciated.

The Friendship Mission Inc. - The Friendship Mission’s goal is to assist homeless people in becoming self-sustaining in the local community.  They need your help.  Contribute to their ongoing needs which provides people with basic necessities.  You can also donate items and shop at the Friendship Mission Thrift Store where all proceeds go directly to the improvement and expansion of their shelters and programs.

The Montgomery Area Council on Aging - This organization serves seniors in the River Region area of Montgomery, Autauga, Elmore, Coosa, and Tallapoosa counties.  Their flagship program is Meals on Wheels.  Volunteers deliver hot, nutritious meals to over 400 senior citizens who cannot prepare their own meals.  They not only provide much needed nutrition, but they also give daily social interaction as they check on the welfare of their recipients.  They currently have a waiting list of over 200 seniors who need your help. Volunteer here.

De-Stressing for the Holidays - Tips for a Peaceful Holiday Season

by The Hat Team

  1. Don’t Strive for Perfection – Put down the Martha Stewart magazine and focus on what is important.  What is the point of having perfect decorations, meals and gifts if you are not enjoying yourself? Martha has a full staff to help her decorate, bake and shop.  Stop killing yourself trying to create an image of a perfect holiday and let yourself EXPERIENCE the season. Pick and choose what you want to do. Baking with your kids, decorating the tree…whatever makes you happy.  You don’t enjoy entertaining guests? Then don’t do it. Keep it simple and enjoy!
     
  2. Shop Online – Avoid traffic, parking garages and crowded malls by doing your shopping online.  If a trip to the mall during the holiday season is something you look forward to, then by all means, go for it! But if fighting the crowds is not your thing, then put on some comfy pjs, fix yourself a cup of hot cocoa and shop until you drop…only you won’t actually drop because you won’t be so tired!  Shopping online will also save you a lot of time which you can use for RELAXING. Check out this site for unique gifts: Uncommon Goods
     
  3. Delegate Responsibilities – Who said you must do it all yourself?  If you have older children, have them decorate the tree. If you have guests coming over, make it a pot luck…you provide the main course and have them bring side dishes and desserts. Have your spouse pick up what you need from the grocery store on the way home from work. With everyone chipping in, chores and events won’t feel so overwhelming.
     
  4. Find Ways to Save Time – Here are some ideas for saving time during the holiday season:
  • Don’t be afraid to say NO. Stop wasting time on activities you don’t want to do. Learn to Say No
  • Purchase pre-printed holiday cards and envelopes.
  • Keep your decorations simple.
  • Make a list of what you need at the store so that you can complete your shopping in one trip.
  1. Be Compassionate – The joy that comes from doing something kind for others may be all you need to relieve the stress that accompanies the holiday season. 

Take care of yourself and stress LESS!

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Creating-Traditions-in-Your-New-Home

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Energy-and-Money-Savers-for-Winter

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Making-Your-Home-Safe-for-Children

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