Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! The real estate market saw huge activity in 2013 and we expect great things from 2014, so don't wait to make your move. If you're thinking about buying, get ahead of the game. Don't get caught in a bidding war. Watch my latest video to find out how you can ahead of your buying competition!

A Glimpse Inside the Holiday Market

Traditional school of thought dictates that selling a home during the holidays is a bad idea. People are busy celebrating with their families and will hardly go shopping for a home, right? Not so!  There are numerous advantages to listing a home during this season and below are ten great reasons to put a home on the market now.

More serious buyers – Less time wasted

These are people who are interested in buying so there is a far greater chance of actually selling the property.  Nothing is more promising to a seller than a motivated and qualified buyer that knows what they want and is actively seeking to get it.

Fewer Homes On the Market

The less competition there is, the higher the chance there is for homes on the market to sell. Where during the peak season sellers might be dealing with some interest from buyers on their home, nonetheless there is more selection for buyers to choose from and they can stray to another property.

In January Inventory Increases – Chances of Selling Decreases

With so many homeowners assuming the holidays is a taboo time to sell there is a plethora of new listings in January, resulting in a diminished chance of your home selling.  Also, there is a risk that the price you may receive on the home can be less.

Decked Halls Look Great!

Homes are very appealing to prospective buyers when they are decorated for the holidays.  With all the festive décor, lights, greenery and added beauty of the season – the home shows very well and attracts buyers faster than if shown during other times of the year.

More Time To Browse Homes

Buyers have extra time off from work and are on vacation, which translates to a more aggressive buying pattern and more chances of your home being viewed.

More Emotional Buyers

Because of the high stress of the holidays, buyers tend to be more emotional during this time than in the summer months. A more emotional buyer will tend to pay more for a new property, so selling your home during the holidays could make you more money.

Show The Home With Flexibility

Sellers that have their home listed prior to the holidays have the added advantage to be able to “pause” the process so they can celebrate the holidays, essentially not showing the home during a period of time during the break.  When the festivities die down, things can pick up again and the seller has not only managed to save potentially lost time but can also jump right back into the market.
 

Transferred Employees

January is typically the month where employees are transferred into new position. In order to capture this demographic of buyers, your home must be on the market since these buyers cannot wait until the spring to buy.

Sell Now For More Money Then Delay Closing

Extended occupancy can be negotiated, leaving both parties the leniency to get through the holiday season and past the New Year so that all sides can rest assured the deal is done but it can follow through at a more convenient time.  For sellers this option is great because they are able to secure a higher selling price on the property before the market is inundated with new listings come January when the selling values drop.


Fewer Foreclosures On the Market

Many banks will suspend foreclosure listing during this time of year, especially on properties where there are still families occupying the home.  As a result of this, some of the competition that arises for sellers from low-priced foreclosures can be avoided during the holidays.

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If you still need more information before you decide that NOW is a great time to sell your home, take a look at the graphs below and call me if you have any questions.

7 Fire Safety Tips

Welcome back. Thank you for joining me today. It’s the holiday season and that means lots of lights, candles, decorations and cooking. Who doesn’t love all those things?

While these are all fun and festive, it’s important to keep in mind your safety. Many of those things are the leaders in accidental home fires. I want you and all your loved ones to be safe this holiday season and the rest of the year. I have a list of tips to help protect your home and your family from fires.

1. Change the batteries in your smoke alarms. There is a new fire alarm that has a special warranty battery in it that you don’t need to change for 10 years. Look into setting those up in your home.
2. Never leave cooking unattended. I’ve seen a lot of fires started by cooking something low in the oven and leaving for church, or heating up a pan of grease and leaving the room.
3. Never leave candles unattended. Kids, pets and even just a breeze can knock a candle over.
4. Have multiple fire extinguishers in your home. The two most important areas are the laundry room and kitchen.
5. Arrange a family meeting place. Set a designated spot your family will meet in case of emergencies, that way you can get a headcount and immediately leave.
6. Teach your children fire safety. Make sure your children know to check doorknobs before opening doors, go out the second window rather than trying to jump across flames.
7. NEVER go back into a fire. Do not reenter your home to collect items; this is dangerous and potentially fatal.

These are seven simple tips, but they could ultimately save your life, your families’ lives and your home. If you have any questions, please give me a call. Thanks for watching and have a safe holiday season!

Bill Barker
Liberty Mutual Insurance
703-229-9128
William.Barker@libertymutual.com