Holiday Showings and Open Houses: A Seller's Plan

How do I handle showings and open houses during the holiday weeks?

Decide your rules before the busy days arrive, share them with your agent, and keep the home ready every day. A simple plan keeps buyers coming through and keeps your holidays your own.

The Mike Webb Team (Mike and Claudia Webb, RE/MAX Allegiance) helps homeowners in Arlington, Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC get their homes ready to sell and sold.

Pick the days and hours when showings are fine, and the days when they are not. Some sellers block Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Then decide how much notice you want, such as a call an hour ahead or a day ahead. Put all of it in the showing instructions, so every agent sees the same rules.

Pick one daily routine and stick to it. Wash the breakfast dishes, empty the trash, clear the kitchen counters, make the beds and turn on the lights. Keep a basket by the door for mail and shoes, and a bag in the closet where you can toss things fast. If a showing is booked on short notice, you can be ready in ten minutes.

Keep decorations light. A few simple touches look warm. A lot of décor makes rooms look smaller and gets in the way of buyers picturing their own things. Leave the walkways, stairs and counters clear.

Buyers form an opinion at the front door. Rake the leaves, clear the steps if there is ice or snow, turn on the porch light and set out a mat for wet shoes. If you want shoe covers inside, leave a small basket of them by the door.

It is your choice, and it is only one tool. We look at how many people are already seeing the home, what your family schedule allows and whether a few private showings will do the job. If you do hold one, pick a short window and keep the home simple. Read Do Open Houses Help Sell Homes in Arlington, VA? for more.

Ask guests to head out when a showing is booked, or plan showings for the times the house is quiet. Pets need a plan too. Our dog Lucy is part of the family, and we cover that in How Do I Sell My Home When I Have a Dog?.

Through The White Glove Home Sale Method, we handle painting, repairs, staging and deep cleaning at no additional cost to you. For more on timing, read Selling Your Arlington Home During Holidays.

Do I have to allow showings on holidays?

No. You set the days and hours. Tell your agent so they go in the showing instructions.

Will my home sell faster if I show it every day?

No one can promise that. A home that is priced well and easy to see gives you a strong chance, and we talk through your schedule with you.

Should I take my decorations down?

You do not need to. Keep them simple and light, and keep the rooms open.

Call or text Claudia at 703-350-3884 or visit claudiawebb.com.

The Mike Webb Team, RE/MAX Allegiance. Arlington, Virginia. Equal Housing Opportunity.