Believe it or not, real estate transactions do continue even during the holiday season! Sure the numbers may decrease a little, but there are all sorts of reasons why someone may need to sell their home between November and January.
So if you find yourself in the position of selling during these months don’t fret! We have a ton of experience in optimizing your sale at any time of the year, and will be happy to walk you through the process of selling during the holiday season.
As is true of any time of the year, a thorough deep cleaning and de-cluttering of your home must be done before potential buyers are let in. During the holiday season, this is absolutely essential, especially if you plan on decorating your home with seasonal accents.
Now once this first step is done, there are a few things to keep in mind when preparing to decorate for the holidays.
1) Play Up the Best Features: Make sure to highlight all of the best features of your home. If you have a beautiful fireplace make sure to make it the focal point of the room. This will help potential buyers see themselves around the fireplace with friends and family, and will increase the cozy factor. Another great feature to focus on during the holidays is the staircase.
2) Classy Not Gaudy: It may be best to keep those vintage glass ornaments safely packed in storage this year. While your family may love the colorful reminders of Christmases past, potential buyers want to imagine themselves in the space. The best way to do this is to stick to a cohesive color palette of decorations throughout the home. Take a look at a few home décor websites for inspiration, or check out our board on Pinterest to get ideas.
3) Keep it Simple: A little holiday cheer goes a long way! Buyers won’t be able to see the potential in your home if it’s covered in tinsel!
4) What’s on the Stove? Make sure when potential buyers come through the door they are hit with all of the best smells of the holidays. One way to fill your home with fantastic smells is to warm a pot of apple cider with mulling spices on the stove.
House Guests & Hosting Dinner
The general rule of thumb on house guests while you’re trying to sell your home is, don’t do it. Of course if Uncle Joe has no place else to go, and he has to stay at your house the rule can be broken. However, it may be a good idea to remind your potential guests that the home will continue to be shown while they are there. This can mean a huge inconvenience for everyone, and really put a damper on the holiday family spirit. If possible, try and encourage house guests to find other accommodations.
When it comes to hosting big family meals like on Thanksgiving, the preference is really up to the homeowner. Sure most potential home buyers won’t be banging down the door to see your house on a holiday, but what about the aftermath? Make sure you consider the potential stress of cleanup and holiday recovery before committing to hosting a large gathering. Why not take this opportunity to switch up tradition for one year and let someone else do the cooking? There are now many restaurants and hotels offering fantastic holiday meal experiences!
Orange County Thanksgiving Feasts
The Montage Resort in Laguna Beach is offering two Thanksgiving experiences for guests to choose from. The more casual buffet experience will be hosted in their Grand Ballroom with live music, and complimentary family photos. Children are welcome in the Grand Ballroom. The cost for this buffet experience is $110 per adult, and $40 per child, and is available from 12:00pm to 5:00pm.
A more formal 4-course menu is available at The Loft fine dining restaurant. This is available between 12:00pm to 10:00pm, and costs $95 per person.
Reservations for either experienced can be booked at (949) 715-6420
Salt Creek Grille is open on Thanksgiving between 12:00pm and 7:00pm. They will be offering a special Turkey Dinner at $30 for adults, and $16 for children. Reservations are not required, but are recommended. Call (949) 661-7799 to make reservations.
The Ritz Carlton is offering a Thanksgiving buffet in their grand ballroom on Thanksgiving Day between 12:00pm and 3:30pm. Reservations must be made through their reservation line at (949) 240-2000. Tickets are $115 per person.
In addition to a limited version of their standard menu, The Chart House in Dana Point will be offering a traditional Thanksgiving meal between the hours of 11:00am and 9:00pm. The cost is $25.99 per adult, and $10.99 for children under 12. Reservations are not required, but are recommended and can be made by calling (949) 493-1183.
St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort
The St. Regis resort is offering two Thanksgiving experiences in both of their restaurants. The more formal 4-course meal will be offered in their Stonehill location between 2:00pm and 7:00pm. The meal is $105 per person.
The more casual buffet experience will be found in their Motif restaurant, where guests will also enjoy various live music throughout the day. Children are also welcome. Seating is available for $115 per adult, and $35 per child, between 12:00pm and 8:00pm on Thanksgiving Day.
Reservations for either experience can be made through the St. Regis reservation line at (949) 234-3900
