By Fred Hibbert

Ask Your Realtor

‘Tis the season for wrapping presents, baking cookies and putting a house on the market. While tradition used to dictate that home sellers wait until after the holiday decorations are put away, we, the professionals at Coldwell Banker Northern California, advise that the holiday season can be an active time for home sales.

One reason is that there is considerable demand. It is a myth that homes don’t sell during the holidays. During the winter, people looking for homes are those who are serious about buying. There may be fewer people looking and fewer homes on the market, but the average sale time remains the same winter or spring - about 50 days (depending on price range).

Another reason houses sell during the holiday season is the heightened emotional connection home buyers feel with a home tastefully decorated. The decorations of the holiday season make a home feel warm and nice.

There’s a different aroma and a different feel to this time of year. Gingerbread in the oven, a fire in the fireplace and extra outside lights are all appealing.

Prospective buyers make a connection by envisioning themselves at happy gatherings in their new home.

Additionally, the actual home is more visible during the holidays.

Most people take special pains to make their homes attractive and tidy for company during the holidays. And shrubs are less full, so people are able to see the home better.

Generally, if a house shows well during the winter, which is typically the worst season for outdoor foliage, buyers have confidence it will shine even more in the summer.

Fred Hibbert, manager of Coldwell Banker Northern California’s Los Altos operations, provided the above tips. His office is located at 110 First St. He may be reached at 948-0456 or fhibbert@coldwellbanker.com.