A normal year would see a slow down around the holidays but this year real estate has been anything but normal. Buyers have been out there all year long but with change on the horizon for 2008 in the mortgage industry, some buyers are very motivated to find the perfect home now!
So off we went this weekend for showings throughout White Bear Lake, Forest Lake and Hugo and Ham Lake….Surprisingly most of the homes we saw were well prepared for our visit. Christmas trees were lit and added extra sparkle. Sidewalks were shoveled at most homes. And the chocolate chip cookies were a nice touch…Hope they were meant for us and not Santa.
Not all
stockings were hung with care in preparation for our visit. The one home owner that did not bother to shovel their driveway after the huge 8-12 inch snowfall last week, did miss out on a sales opportunity. The home was not bad inside but when a homeowner doesn’t bother to maintain the exterior, the interior is reviewed with an extra critical eye. The potential sale was lost as my buyers trekked up the hard packed uneven snow banks to the front door. The Rainbow Goldfish crackers left in a pile on the table were not as appealing as the cookies at the other home either.Sellers make the most of this week and the opportunity it presents! If a buyer requests a showing on your home, make it available and make them welcome. Many buyers are very serious this time of year! A beautifully prepared home could mean the best present of all for a seller; an acceptable offer all wrapped up for the holidays!
If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
