How can you decorate a home for the holidays that is up for sale?

Don't think you have to keep all holiday decorations in a box when your home is on the market during this season. You can decorate--buyers expect to see some decor -- but think about toning it down somewhat.  Follow these tips as you plan to spruce up your home for festive holiday celebrations:

1.  Less is more.  You have probably de-cluttered your house to put it up for sale--don't clutter it again with lots of knick knacks and red and green decor.  Keep it very simple:  one tree, one door wreath, simple mantle adornments, few if any religious symbols, no photos with Santa or cutesy collectibles. Keeping it simple allows the buyers to picture their own decor in the home.

2.  Stick to a neutral color scheme.  Try red and white, green and white, gold and white or silver and white.  Pine cones, greenery, candles, tablecloths or napkins, a bowl of ornaments--all bring out the season while keeping it neutral. And don't decorate every room--two or three at the most should do it.

3.  Appeal to the buyer's sense of smell, taste  and hearing.  A few burning scented candles (mistletoe, evergreen or  pine) in a bathroom or kitchen emphasize the season and warm feelings.  Set out a plate of homemade holiday shaped cookies for buyers.  Have instrumental holiday music playing at a low volume in the background.  These special touches add a nice touch and highlight the spirit of the season.

4.  Don't leave presents out under the tree.  Best to hide them in an attic or basement trunk--not everyone who tours a home can be trusted.  Put away electronic devices and valuables.

5.  Use simple decor outside as well.  A few lights or garland, no big inflatable Santas or elves. A seasonal welcome mat is nice, along with a door wreath or icicle lights.  Keep your sidewalk and walkways shoveled of snow and ice. 

Although it's natural for showings to decrease during the holidays, the buyers that are out looking can be ready to buy once the season is over.  There are many businesses who transfer employees at the end of the year, and more hiring may be done to start the new year.  Celebrate the season with your decor, keeping in mind that you want to appeal to as many buyers as possible --so keep it simple and tasteful!

Thank you for reading my blog.  If you would like a complimentary analysis of what's selling in your area, email me with the details.  I appreciate your comments!

Another dismal month for home sales in Jackson and Johnson County..statistics and commentary follow.  All stats are compared to same month one year ago.

Jackson County

Pending Countracts:  down 16.8%

Average Sales Price:  down 22%

New Listings:  down 23.8%

Inventory:  down 16%

Johnson County

Pending Contracts:  down 33.8%

Average Sale Price:  down 4.5%

New Listings:  down 15.3%

Inventory:  down 5%

Keep in mind there are many more foreclosures in Jackson County, in areas with lower home values to begin with.  In the suburbs, having so many homes sit on the market further pushes prices down, and buyers 'lowballing' on offers. 

Both counties have fewer  listings than one year ago, reflecting sellers' hesitation to list if not necessary to move.  Also, at this time of year sellers tend to wait until after the holidays to list, prefering to show off their homes during warmer spring weather when the market is naturally stronger.  

Sales prices for Johnson County are not as affected, with an average sales price of just under 5% less than last year.  Overall for the YTD, Johnson County sales prices are just 2% less than a year ago.  

If you would like specific statistics for your area or subdivision, , email me.  Thanks for reading my blog, comments are welcome!

The song remains the same...the housing market is slow, foreclosures are up, interest rates are low, now is the time to buy!!

But is it really the best time to buy...for you?

Think about these questions if you are a first time buyer...and then make a decision. 

1)  Is your job stable?  If rumors of layoffs are going through the grapevine, try to find out if your job is secure.  If you have doubts, trust your gut feeling.  Don't buy if you think your job is in jeopardy.

2)  Can you make a payment based on one income if you are married/living with a roommate?  Many homeowners purchase more house than they can reasonably afford.  A house payment is just part of the obligation--there are taxes, interest, and utilities as well.  Don't depend on more than one income (or a large percentage of your take home pay) to make the house payment.

3)  Figure out the true cost of home ownership first.  Yes, the interest deduction is a plus at tax time.  Along with the house comes maintenance, repairs, decor.  Think about the extra expenses that will come up and figure a percentage into your monthly budget dedicated to house upkeep.  

4) Are you planning to stay in the home for several years?  It takes time to build equity in a home.  If you plan on a job transfer in a couple of years to a different city, you may not be able to make money on the transaction when you sell.  It's best to live in the home at least four to five years before selling.

5)  What type of lifestyle do you enjoy?  If you travel often for your job, like to take extended vacations, dedicate yourself to long hours at the office, dislike yard work and home repairs--buying a house probably isn't for you.  (Of course you can still own--check out a condo!) 

Buying a house will cost more than renting...but the benefits of home ownership outweigh renting in many respects.  Still, it's never a good time to buy if your financial situation is unstable or the maintenance of a home doesn't fit with your lifestyle.  Take the time to do some math, talk to homeowners--then make the decision if buying is right for  you.

Thank you for reading my blog.  Comments are welcome!  If you  are thinking of buying or selling and would like additional information about the current market in the Kansas City area, email me.

Today's short entry is a comparison of sales for Jackson and Johnson Counties, in the Kansas CIty metropolitan area, for the first nine months of the year compared to preceeding years.

Johnson County, KS

Although overall  inventory is up over 36% from 2002-2008, home prices are up 17.3% over the past 7 years.  2008 is the first year Johnson County has seen a decrease in the average sales price --and by just 2.5%. This reflects higher inventory due to slower sales...but overall, average pricing for the county has not seen drastic reductions when you look at the past several years. 

Jackson County, MO

Inventory in Jackson County is up just over 90% from 2002.  Sales prices have dropped 8.3% from last year, 4.3% average since 2003.   Jackson County is experiencing a high number of foreclosures, which accounts for a higher depreciation in pricing and more inventory. Year to date, Jackson County's average home price has dropped 10%.

Commentary

Johnson County sales stay strong due to the excellent public school system, new shopping and amenities for homeowners, and good local city government services.  Jackson County numbers suffer from the reputation of the Kansas CIty school district, mismanaged City Hall spending (Kansas CIty) and lower priced homes in struggling neighborhoods.  With a fresh new President, the mood will change and housing activity will pick up in the first quarter of 2009 on both sides of the state line. 

Comments are welcome.  If you would like sales statistics for your neighborhood, email me.

Thank you for reading my blog!