Now is a great time to sell your house and move to Maris Grove

Listing a house during the winter holidays offers sellers a world of benefits. Less inventory means less competition. Winter buyers are serious and often deadline driven. That can lead to higher selling prices. And with interest rates at record lows, buyers are more motivated than ever, making this winter an excellent time to list.

Gary Newville, a real estate agent with Hall & Hunter, notes that “serious buyers want to capitalize on ultra-low interest rates and to be in their new homes in early 2021. I expect the holiday market to remain robust.”

Jenn Klarman, a real estate agent with Long & Foster in Maryland, says December is one of her busiest months. She reminds us of several key indicators for success:

• Low interest rates—and that’s the expectation for the foreseeable future— meaning the market will remain active and healthy.
• Price, home condition, and location still matter most to discerning buyers.

Tips for decorating while you list

“A home is never more beautiful than at the holidays,” according to Ellen Newville, also with Hall & Hunter. Little touches, like the scent of cinnamon, fresh-baked cookies, and festive greenery, add holiday cheer and warmth that house-hunters respond to. Before you decorate, have professional photos taken so buyers know what your house looks like at other times of the year. Feel free to leave a photo album out for buyers to view. If you decorate, keep it simple. Tasteful décor using traditional colors, like red and green, creates a sense of family that buyers look for. Another option is to go neutral with hints of silver and gold that complement your own furnishings. Highlight focal points, like a fireplace or bay window, but don’t hide them. Be sure that extension cords are tucked away to avoid tripping hazards. It’s fine to forgo decorating a tree this year. Plus, a tree takes up space, and you want every room to look as large as possible.

Let your house shine

Besides creating a warm and inviting space inside, make sure your house’s curb appeal stands out. Keep your lawn and bushes trimmed and your walks free of leaves and yard waste; if you live in colder climates, clear the snow and slush. Add a single wreath or some other kind of focal point to your front door, as well as a few strands of soft lighting around your shrubs. Realistic faux greens in urns can frame your entry beautifully. The idea is to complement your home’s beauty with classic looks that enhance the architecture.

Keep it cozy and simple

As you stage your home, make sure that the style looks fresh, clean, and comfortable. You want buyers to feel at home when they walk in, and to see themselves, not you, occupying those rooms. Start by removing your year-round collections, personal mementos, and photographs. Leave those surfaces empty or add just a hint of winter flair, like a bowl of scented pinecones or some candles.

Work with a pro

Maris Grove’s Personal Moving Consultant Jan Schechter can help you with everything you need to list, stage, and sell your house for the best possible price this winter. With a shorter sales cycle, you could be decorating and enjoying your new apartment home in at Maris Grove, an Erickson Living-managed community in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, this holiday.

People moving to Maris Grove have direct access to Erickson Realty and Moving Services. This special program offers complimentary coordination of all realty and moving needs, including downsizing, home staging, packing, and choosing a real estate agent. Personal Moving Consultant Jan Schechter will help guide you through the entire process. You can start taking advantage of Schechter’s services by joining Maris Grove’s priority list. As a member, you’ll also receive invitations to special events and seminars throughout the year and be the first to learn about construction updates and other community news.

Call 1-800-520-2916 to learn more about the benefits of joining the priority list and how Jan Schechter can help you with your move to Maris Grove.

About Maris Grove: Maris Grove, one of 20 continuing care retirement communities developed and managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 87-acre campus in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. The not-for-profit community of more than 1,900 residents and 750 employees is governed by its own board of directors, affiliated with National Senior Campuses, Inc., who provide independent financial and operational oversight of the community. Additional information about Maris Grove can be found at MarisGroveCommunity.com