Burlington Real Estate Agents Archives - Page 5 of 5

To Sell or Not to Sell – during the Christmas holidays

Photo of Christmas Decorations — During the holidays keep the decorations to a minimum. Don't block or cover up important selling features such as fireplace mantels, stairs, stained-glass windows.

With the Christmas holidays quickly approaching people ask me every year: Is it a good idea to list and sell my home in the month of December?

Typically, I would suggest to my clients to wait until the new year if they can, because a lot of potential buyers have their minds on other things like: shopping, baking, numerous Christmas parties, etc.
Having said that, each year can vary.. This year, and I mean like right now, I would actually say it is still a good idea to list and sell your Burlington home because there is a shortage of nice Townhomes, Condos and Detached Homes on the market. Low supply and high demand still exists in Halton Region in December 2012.

Buyers are still seriously looking and ready to buy. So, as a seller you have very little competition – which often means quick sale and top dollar! Timing is always crucial in any market, so if you’re thinking of listing your home do it now and you’ll have 2 solid weeks before things really slow down.

One other thing – people out looking at this time of year and through the holidays, tend to be more serious buyers. If you do decide to go on the market, here are some quick tips on Decorating you Home for “Selling”.

Remember you never get a second chance to make a first impression
Keep your front entrance clear of snow, a nice welcome mat and an urn(s) with a fresh evergreen arrangement by the front door
Tone down the size of tree, if you have a really BIG Christmas tree – consider going smaller (slimmer) for this year
Only have a few nicely wrapped gifts, under the tree and put the rest under a bed or in a closet
Use more splashes of red than green because red is an emotionally appealing color
Use greenery instead such as fresh evergreen or rosemary garlands
Display centerpieces made from pine cones or other wintry pieces of nature
Set a plate of cookies on the counter, next to festive paper napkins for guests
Simmer spicy apple cider in a pot on the stove then turn it off and leave it sitting for the fragrance to linger

If you do decide to wait until the next year, try to get your home listed as soon as possible after the holidays. The longer you wait, the more competition you may have. Trusting this has been helpful info and feel free to contact me if you have any other questions and remember – I would be delighted to “Help You Make The Right Moves” any time of the year!

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!

– Lori VanDinther and Team, Burlington Realtor

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The Importance of Tradition

Christmas time brings to mind all the comforts of a home – friends, family, love, tradition…

Christmas Holiday Traditions — We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

What is it about traditions and especially those associated with a holiday that make them so important to us? Family traditions provide great value, and the value lasts far beyond the moment. The value of a tradition isn’t in completing the ritual; the value comes from what it provides for those who participate.

First of all, traditions provide stability. Activities that are observed year in and year out become a means by which family members can build trust and security. Regardless of what else may happen, the traditions will not change. So much in our lives these days is temporary. Family traditions provide something for every person to hold on to and to rely upon.

Secondly, traditions give us a sense of identity. They are one of the things that make us unique to other families. Although our Christmas traditions may have some commonality with other families, each household still has their own way of experiencing those traditions. That is what is so special about them. Each family’s unique twist is what gives that family its identity and helps the members bond with one another. Ethnic foods, decorations, special activities, all help families become distinctive.

Third, traditions are important because they provide continuity between generations. It can be difficult to keep up with extended family members these days, and of course it is impossible to touch those who are long gone. But traditions create a bridge between the young and the old, between the past and the present.

Traditions are obviously good for families. We can build memories and share stories so that we draw near to one another. Traditions are a building block of what makes a house a home. Through creating and maintaining family traditions, we can offer stability, identity and continuity to our loved ones. We can look to the past and not be afraid of remembering those who are no longer with us. We can enjoy the present, knowing that we are building strong families – and we can look forward to the future, when our children will sit by the fire in their homes and tell stories of their Christmas traditions.

This holiday season, create some new traditions with friends and family – and enjoy everything this season has to offer.

From Team VanDinther – Burlington Real Estate to your Family – We wish you a Very Merry Christmas and all the Best for the Year to Come!