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Are the Holidays a Good Time to Sell?

Are the Holidays a Good Time to Sell?

http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2011/12/05/are-holidays-good-time-sell#.Tt0D2h7n02A.mailto

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | MONDAY, DECEMBER 05, 2011

Sixty percent of real estate professionals advise their sellers to list a home during the holidays because it’s a good time to sell, according to a new survey conducted by Realtor.com.

Why are the holidays such a good time to sell? Seventy-nine percent of the agents surveyed said that more serious buyers come out during the holidays, and 61 percent say less competition from other properties make it a great time to sell. Plus, 17 percent of agents say the cold weather is actually a benefit, making homes feel more cozy.

But online listing photos become even more crucial during the holiday season, according to the survey. Slightly more than half of agents say that the photos are more important because sellers tend to offer less open houses around the holidays, and so the online photos help buyers decide the properties to see and which ones to possibly bypass.

The biggest hurdles sellers face during the holidays, however, are keeping a home ready to show (clean and staged) as well as winter weather conditions and buyers’ vacation schedules, the Realtor.com survey found.

Source: “Survey Data Reveals Majority of Real Estate Professionals Recommend Clients List Their Homes During the Holidays,” Realtor.com (Dec. 2, 2011)

Experience the Transformation

Every Christmas is special around the Greer house and each year the home is transformed into a new Christmas wonderland creating a unique memory for years to come. Join in and help make this Christmas one they will never forget.

The Christmas Parade of Homes will be held on December 3rd, 1-5 p.m. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at the Crye-Leike office, from any of their agents, at Brown’s Home Furnishings, Gourmet and More, Lovie’s, McKenzie’s on Main, Pastry Garden, Plums, Salon 38, or by visiting http://www.mchscares.org. All proceeds benefit the South Mississippi Children’s Shelter.

Santas, Toys, Nutcrackers…..

…and hand-blown ornaments will decorate every inch of the home.  Oh the excitement as your tour each room decorated from floor to ceiling in its own theme.  A tour of this home will have you singing Christmas carols all the way home.

 

Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at the Crye-Leike office, from any of their agents, at Brown’s Home Furnishings, Gourmet and More, Lovie’s, McKenzie’s on Main, Pastry Garden, Plums, Salon 38, or by visiting http://www.mchscares.org.

All proceeds benefit the South Mississippi Children’s Shelter.

 

 

And Stockings Were Hung…..

…by the chimney with care.  Bright eyes open to Christmas morning at this home where each child finds their stocking with a personal note from Santa .The aroma of the home adds to the festivities as natural greenery native to the area is used in decorating.  You will find pine, holly and plenty of berries.

 

Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at the Crye-Leike office, from any of their agents, at Brown’s Home Furnishings, Gourmet and More, Lovie’s, McKenzie’s on Main, Pastry Garden, Plums, Salon 38, or by visiting www.mchscares.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Halls Decked with Holiday Cheer

At this fun-filled home guests will find halls decked with holiday cheer including some 10 – 12 trees decorated by theme displaying family decorations handed down through the years.  Much of the  collection comes from the homeowner’s  mother and creates  a lot of excitement with past traditions being passed down for generations to come.

 

Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at the Crye-Leike office, from any of their agents, at Brown’s Home Furnishings, Gourmet and More, Lovie’s, McKenzie’s on Main, Pastry Garden, Plums, Salon 38, or by visiting www.mchscares.org.

A Winter Wonderland…..

…with traditional holiday cheer will have you dreaming while visions of sugar plums dance in your head as you tour this enchanted home. 

 

The Christmas Parade of Homes benefiting South Mississippi Children’s Shelter will be held this Saturday. Come view these festively decorated homes, and register to win one of several door prizes. There will also be live music and refreshments.

Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at the Crye-Leike office, from any of their agents, at Brown’s Home Furnishings, Gourmet and More, Lovie’s, McKenzie’s on Main, Pastry Garden, Plums, Salon 38, or by visiting http://www.mchscares.org.

 

 

Holiday Safety Tips: Shopping/Home/Celebrating

City of Hattiesburg Holiday Safety Tips
Your Guide to a Safe Holiday Season                       http://hattiesburgms.com/announcements/852-holiday-safety-tips

 

Hattiesburg-The holidays can be a hectic time for many of us, but in the midst of the chaos please don’t forget to stay safe from would-be thieves and preventable dangers. Ok, former straight A students, think you know all there is to know about staying out of harms way? Take a look at the City of Hattiesburg’s Holiday SafetyTips listed below and learn if you’ve aced the test.

SHOPPING:
• Try to shop during the day.
• Always shop with a friend or family member, never alone.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Never leave your purse or wallet unattended, even for just a moment.
• Never leave your children alone in a store or automobile.
• Make sure your children know to find a police officer or security guard in the event they become lost and know their address and telephone number.
• Carry a cell phone with you and do not hesitate to call police if you witness suspicious behavior or feel threatened.
• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Be aware of strangers who approach you. During this time of year “con artists” attempt to distract shoppers with the intention of taking their money or belongings.
• Park as close to the store or mall as possible in a well lit area.
• Avoid leaving any visible packages, presents, or valuables inside of your vehicle. Secure these items in the trunk.
• Always lock your vehicle.
• Have your keys ready before walking to your vehicle and avoid fumbling with packages. Often criminals view this as an opportunity to victimize you.

HOME SAFETY:
• If you are going out of town let a trusted neighbor and/or the police know and ask them to watch your home.
• Be cautious of who you make aware of your vacation plans.
• Make your home appears to be “lived in” by having a neighbor or friend collect your newspapers and mail.
• Use an automatic timer to control interior and exterior lights if you go out of town.
• Avoid placing your tree or presents in a front window. Not only do they make tempting targets, they limit your ability to see outside.
• Avoid placing decorations over windows or peep holes thereby limiting your ability to see outside.
• Do not advertise what you received for Christmas. Tear up your boxes before you put them out as trash.

HOLIDAY & NEW YEAR PARTIES:
• DO NOT DRINK OR TEXT AND DRIVE!
• Appoint a designated driver before you leave for the evening.
• If a guest at your party has had too much to drink do not let them drive.
• Be cautious of taking drinks from strangers.
• If you are holding a party at your office or home hide and secure all valuables.
• Remember, fireworks are illegal in the City of Hattiesburg and in many cases their improper and unsupervised use has resulted in serious injury and loss of property by fire.
• If you are in an area where fireworks are legal, never allow children to enjoy them unsupervised.
• Never discharge a firearm into the air! In years past, many people have been seriously injured or killed by falling bullets.