CREIG SAYS...

Dear Friend:

The holiday season is upon us which means shopping, wrapping, entertaining, and traveling. If you also have your house on the market (or are out looking to buy) there are a few things you should know. Selling your home during the winter actually has some advantages. Most buyers during this season are serious—they need to buy a home. January is a popular month for corporate moves so buyers often use their holiday vacation time to house hunt. Investors want to close escrow by the end of the year for tax purposes. And buyers who don't have children aren't affected by school calendars.

So venture out and make your move to your first home or move up to your dream home. You will be amazed at the opportunities that are suddenly popping up all over. Having the foresight to be looking for them and the guts to grab them will put you in the most advantageous position. Lock in your long-term mortgage rate now. Failure to act in this current period could end up being a costly error. As the current credit crisis passes, so will the rewards awaiting the courageous if they do not take advantage of them now. With inventory readily available, interest rates close to record lows, and the additional tax benefits that come with homeownership, it is arguable that December 2007 is unique opportunity that happens rarely in economic cycles. Opportunity awaits!

Wishing all a happy, safe, and successful holiday season!

Sincerely,

Creig Northrop

·  To view Northrop Team listings, click here.

·  To view Northrop Team Open Houses, click here.

Embrace the Advantages of Holiday Selling!

Selling your home over the holidays doesn't have to be an unpleasant experience. It's true that the holiday season can be a hectic time to host an open house and keep your home ready for viewing, but this can be a wonderful time to show off your home - tastefully decorated with greenery, lights, and holiday decor - at its most inviting and most festive. And since most of the "lookers" are busy with the holidays, only the real buyers will be out house hunting. Don't let this opportunity pass you by!

Simplify the Season to Reduce Stress

To reduce stress, keep things simple. Choose a few tasteful decorations in colors that complement your home and don't detract from its beauty.

Exterior Decorations

Because the days are shorter, it's quite possible that potential buyers will drive by your home at dusk or after dark. At this time of year, it's a good idea to spend part of consider exterior lighting.

• Use clear or colored spotlights to accent a specimen tree or exterior details. Much quicker to set up and remove than exterior strand lights, spotlights also add a flair of sophistication.
• Place electric candles in the windows to make your home look more inviting.
• Install timers or light sensors to turn outdoor lights on and off automatically. This will help your home look warm and welcoming whenever prospective buyers drive past, even if you're not home.
• Add a festive wreath at the front door to welcome all. Or dress up your home's entryway with seasonal floral arrangements, greenery, and ribbons. Be sure to leave your porch light on so your entryway is well-lit and inviting.

Interior Decorations

Inside, keep clutter down by packing away everyday accessories and replacing them with a few holiday items.

• If you normally have a tree, consider a smaller one this year or remove some of the furniture in the room to keep the room from feeling crowded by the tree.
• Pick ornaments and other decorations that don't clash with the colors of the room.
• Consider adding a warm glow with a string of amber lights embedded in a garland on a fireplace mantle or stair railing.
• Use rich velvet table covers in the dining room, fluffy towels in the kitchen and bath, and cozy throws in the living room to cozy up your home.
• As with exterior lighting, use timers to take the worry out of turning lights on and off.

A "Holiday Open House" Checklist

When it's time to hold your open house, use this open house checklist, full of great open house tips and ideas, to help make the day a big success.

• Open all curtains and blinds as wide as you can on the day of your open house to let in as much natural light as possible.
• Use high-wattage bulbs in all light fixtures. Turn on lamps and overhead lights.
• Set the temperature at a comfortable level during your open house.
• If you have a fireplace, light a fire before the open house begins to create a warm, inviting feeling (never leave a burning fire unattended).
• Consider asking buyers to remove their shoes before touring the house. This will not only keep mud and slush from being tracked into your house, but potential buyers may take it as a sign that your home is carefully maintained all the time.
• Simmer apples, cloves, and cinnamon on the stove an hour before prospective buyers arrive. The spicy/sweet aroma creates a comforting ambiance.
• Play holiday music in the background.
• Bake holiday cookies and treats for prospective buyers.
• With a few well chosen holiday decorations, you can create a festive atmosphere that will make it easy for buyers to imagine themselves living in your home.

Know When to Pack It Up

As soon as the season is over, pack up and put away all your holiday décor. If you've kept things simple, it should be easy. Even though your holiday decorations will be put away, you should still do all you can to make your home warm, well-lit, and inviting throughout the winter months.

This open house checklist for happy holiday selling is a great place to start as you gather various open house ideas.

*Tips provided in part by Lowe's Home Improvement

THE NORTHROP TEAM IS PROUD TO BE A SPONSOR OF A NEW MAGICAL HOLIDAY TRADITION BEGINNING AT THE MALL IN COLUMBIA