Dos and Don'ts When Selling Your Home During the Holidays

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  The holidays are fast approaching and thoughts turn to holiday decorating, baking and gift getting.  It's an extremely busy time for most of us.  It tends to be a less busy time in the real estate world, but there are still always those out looking to buy or sell a home.

With that in mind, I just wanted to pass along a few pointers for those folks with their homes listed for sale  over the holiday season.  If you are still living in your home, then you know it's not easy keeping the place clean and "show" ready on a steady basis.  When getting ready for the holidays, it may make things easier to do some of the following:

Dos:
1.  Do scale back when decorating for the holidays....way back!  People still need to see the space and not your stuff.  A christmas tree is fine, but don't let it overwhelm the room.  That may mean having a smaller tree or putting it in a different space than you have in years past.   Keep other decorations simple and on the "generic" side.  Too many personalized items, photos or cards will keep buyers from picturing themselves living there.  Same for outside the home.  A few simple lights and a wreath or garland will look welcoming and "homey", but try to steer clear of all the giant blow up Santa's, Snowmen or a huge Menorah!

2.  Do stay organized.  Keep a calendar and arrange times for you to do your card writing, baking, gift wrapping, etc so you are doing one thing at a time.  It makes it easier to clean up should you get a call for a showing and helps keep the clutter to a minimum.

3.  Do secure your gifts and other valuables.  You should always keep your valuables and medications out of site for showings, but don't forget about both wrapped and unwrapped gifts too. 

4.  Do make your visitors feel welcome!  While you might not get as many showings this time of year, make the ones you do get count!  Put out a plate of fresh baked goodies, use cinnamon or other potpourri scents, put on soft music and just make things feel inviting!

Don'ts:
1.  Don't neglect the outside of your home.  In addition to scaling back on the decorations, keep the yard raked up, walk ways clear, etc.  Clean out the gutters and do paint touch ups where needed.

2.  Don't leave candles burning.  Use the new flameless candles to get the same effect or find other alternatives.

3.  Don't allow your agent to take photos with holiday decorations.  Again, the goal is for people to see the space and not how you decorated!  Plus, if the pictures are just left on the listing or internet posting after the holiday, they just look silly.  Insist on new pictures without the holiday decor immediately following the finish of the season if you do happen to have photos that show any seasonal decorations.

4.  Don't over emphasize religious beliefs.  It's best to keep your decor more neutral.  For example, you may celebrate Christmas or Chanukah, but others may not.  Use decorations that celebrate the more general holiday season.  Remember you are trying to sell your home and you want the home to appeal to EVERYONE.

5. Don't Stress!  Easier said than done, right?  But really...it doesn't have to be complicated and actually, scaling back might help you stay more organized, on task and alleviate some of the stress!

I often tell my clients that it's not convenient to sell your home because it just isn't!  But the holidays don't have to add to the inconvenience if you follow these basic guidelines.   Any folks that do come through your house will feel welcome and still able to see the best features of your home because you haven't covered them up with the all holiday trimmings.  And you are not missing out on potential buyers!

For more information or tips on selling during the holidays feel free to contact me directly at mpettis@century21properties.com or 843-860-3901.  And for information on the Summerville and Charleston, SC area feel free to visit http://www.summervillerealestateonline.com/

Best Wishes and Happy Holidays!
Maria Pettis
Realtor, e-PRO
Century 21 Properties Plus

Summerville SC Video!

Get a glimpse of beautiful Summerville, SC with this video!  Close to historic Charleston, two military bases, the new Boeing plant site and area beaches.  Summerville has a small town feel and lots of southern charm with all the modern conveniences!  This video doesn't even begin to cover all that Summerville has to offer!

For more information visit my site at http://www.summervillerealestateonline.com/  or contact me directly at mpettis@century21properties.com or (843) 860-3901

Kind Regards,
Maria Pettis
Realtor, ePRO

Happy Veteran's Day!

With two military bases within the Charleston area, it's pretty fair to say we are a military community.  Many active duty service men and woman are stationed at either the Charleston Air Force Base or the Naval Weapons Station.  Plus with our fabulous climate, our many conveniences and the natural beauty of the Lowcountry, lots of retirees call this area home as well.

I just wanted to take a moment to honor all the men and women, past and present, who have served this great country of ours.  I would like to also acknowledge my favorite veteran, my husband Mike, who served 20 years in the United States Navy!  You guys have a tough job that we can never say "thank you" enough for!

God Bless America and all of you who have served!

Maria Pettis
Realtor, e-Pro
843-860-3901
mpettis@century21properties.com
http://www.summervillerealestateonline.com/

Extention and Expansion of Home Buyer Tax Credit Passes!

Great news for both home buyers and sellers!  The House and Senate have now both passed the extension and expansion of the home buyer tax credit.  All that remains is for President Obama to sign it.

The previous tax credit for first time buyers remains intact.  These buyers will still receive up to $8000.  A first time buyer is defined as anyone who has not owned a home for the last three years.

The new bill has expanded the tax credit to include current home owners, who can receive up to $6500.  To qualify, current home owners have to have used the home being sold as their primary residence for 5 consecutive years out of the last 8. 

In either case, the income limits have been raised to $125,000 for single folks and $225,000 for married couples.  A binding contract must be in effect by April 30, 2010 and you will have until July 1, 2010 to actually close on the property.

The extension is great for home buyers for obvious reasons, but home sellers will also reap benefits.  The previous tax credit definitely seemed to help give a boost to the Charleston area real estate market over the last several months with many first time buyers looking for entry level, affordably priced homes.  The new extension/expansion will hopefully help the mid to upper level price range as well now that current home owners needing more space or looking to trade up are able to take advantage of the tax credit as well.  It could also help soften the blow for some folks who may have to sell at a slight loss in order to trade up.

For more information about the tax credit or the Charleston/Summerville Real Estate Market, please feel free to contact me. You can also read more at www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2009110501?OpenDocument&WT.cg_n=RMO&WT.cg_s=RSSDaily

Maria Pettis
Realtor, e-Pro
mpettis@century21properties.com
(843) 860-3901
http://www.summervillerealestateonline.com/

Charleston Welcomes More Boeing Workers!

Boeing announced this week that it has selected North Charleston for it's line of 787 Dreamliner jets.  Without a union presence and offering grants for start up costs as well as tax breaks, South Carolina beat out Washington State for the plant.  The Boeing board voted unanimously to build the operation in Charleston.

According to Boeing, this means about 3800 more jobs in the lowcountry.  But thousands of other jobs are anticipated as well from all the support companies that are needed to provide materials for the Boeing Dreamliners.  South Carolina unemployment is currently about 10% and it's hoped that Boeing will hire many local people, but there are sure to be those relocating here from out of state as well.

Either way, this could also give a boost to the local real estate market as people move into the area or make the decision to finally buy after landing what should be a good, steady job.  The first time buyer tax credit has helped spur some movement in the Greater Charleston market so this may be an additional shot in the arm to keep the momentum going.  There are still a lot of great homes on the market and rates remain relatively low which is also good news.

For more information about the Boeing operation coming to North Charleston you can visit the wall street journal link: http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20091029-723919.html

Maria Pettis
REALTOR, e-PRO
mpettis@century21properties.com
(843) 860-3901
http://www.charlestoncarolinahomes.com/

Coastal Carolina Fair Comes to Town!

One of the things I love most about living in Summerville, SC is the proximity to Charleston and the beaches.  There is always something going on somewhere.  Besides all the great restaurants, shopping and art galleries, there are all kinds of family and cultural events, festivals and fairs!

Speaking of fairs, one of the biggest is coming to Ladson beginning October 29th and lasting through November 7th.  After 53 years of doing this, you know they have it down pat, making it one of the best fairs around.

Of course there's the midway, with tons of rides and games.  But the fair has so much more to offer...

For instance, every night there is some sort of entertainment with names like comedian, James Gregory and country music group, Lady Antebellum among others. 

You could also check out the different equestrian events.  The list includes, bull riding, roping, jumping and barrel racing. 

Or you could enter one of the many competitions like the art shows, baking contests or the Star Search.  (Check the website for a complete list of competitions and information on how to enter.) My family and I like just wandering through the different exhibits, looking at peoples handiwork.  We also check out the many vendors...so many interesting items...it's a great way to start your Christmas shopping or find a unique gift for someone.

For my kids, being five year olds, one of their favorite things besides the rides is the petting zoo.  In the past there haven't just been the usual pony rides, but how about riding an elephant as well!

I have to admit though my favorite part has to be the food...so many choices!  Gyros, funnel cakes, burgers, candy apples...so much more to satisfy your taste buds.

The Coastal Carolina Fair is something we look forward to every year.  There's something for the whole family no matter what your age.  If you've been before, you know exactly what I'm talking about!  If not, you have to go check it out! 

Buy your tickets in advance to get a discount!  Visit http://www.coastalcarolinafair.org/ for schedules, ticket prices and info.

Maybe we'll see you there!

Maria Pettis
Realtor, e-PRO
http://www.summervillerealestateonline.com/
mpettis@century21properties.com
843-860-3901

Hope for Homes in Summerville and Charleston, SC!

There is HOPE FOR HOMES in Summerville and Charleston, SC!  If you are a home owner in the area and are falling behind on your mortgage payments or feel unable to keep up, then you will want to attend this special event THIS SATURDAY, October 24th at the North Charleston Convention Center.

Maybe you've lost your job or had some other reduction in income.  Or perhaps you've been hit with unexpected medical bills making it more difficult to keep up with your mortgage payments.  Whatever the reason, financial issues always cause a great deal of stress especially if the possibility of losing your home exists.

Come to this FREE event on Saturday and meet with certified HUD specialists who can offer budget and credit counseling, explain foreclosure prevention options and explain legal issues related to foreclosure.  These specialists can review your situation and help guide you in the right direction so that you can get back on track again. 

Don't expect any quick fixes though.  You'll need to listen closely to what the specialists are telling you and follow up with what is sometimes hard work.  But it could be the first step toward saving your home and getting you financially healthy again.

Visit http://www.hopeforhomescharleston.com/ to get a list of things you should bring with you and to get more details about the event.