By Carol Harczack, Broker/Owner, RE/MAX All Stars, Niles

I  listed two homes, one right after Thanksgiving and another right before Christmas.  The first one sold in four days.  The second one sold in 10 days.

Buyers out looking at homes in December or January are, as a group, quite serious about buying.  Therefore, sellers tend to benefit because each showing is more productive, and fewer showings are needed to sell the property. 

The key is to price them right, wash the windows and turn the lights on so everything is bright and sparkly.  It’s the best way to combat winter’s short and frequently cloudy days.   Open the drapes and blinds during the day to let in light and let visitors enjoy the view especially on sunny winter days. 

For a showing, every single light in the house must be on, even in the closets and utility/mechanical rooms.  Make sure all the bulbs are working, and stock up on all the right bulbs for lamps and fixtures so burned out bulbs can be replaced immediately.  It’s also a great idea to keep the lights on in the front of the house even if no showings are scheduled.  People are always driving by, and keeping your home lighted makes it look happy and welcoming.