Should we keep our house on the market during the holidays?  Should we wait until the spring to list?  Are people really looking at houses during this time of the year?  I don't want people trudging through the house during the holidays….

These are some of the questions and comments I hear at almost every listing appointment starting in November.

While it seems to make sense to wait, I'd like to present a different perspective.  The holiday season can be a great time to market and sell a home; especially this year as consumers are looking to take advantage of the homebuyer tax credit.  I will agree that there are fewer people out looking at this time of year, but…the buyers who are out tend to be more serious and have extra time to shop together.

The most important thing to consider is that your house definitely isn't going to sell if it is not even listed.  By leaving it on the market, you are likely to attract the motivated buyers who tend to house hunt during the holidays.

And think about this: if everyone else takes their home off the market but you leave yours on, there is a greater chance of a buyer viewing and purchasing YOUR home!

When tastefully decorated for the holidays, a home is extra inviting.  During this time of year, buyers will be able to see themselves celebrating in the coziness of your home.

The village of Basking Ridge is typically decorated so wonderfully during the holiday season.  With nighttime caroling and Santa zipping around town on the fire trucks, there is ample opportunity to showcase your home. 

The number of contract sales in town during the six weeks from Nov. 1 through Dec. 15 in 2008 was 22.  The number of contract sales for the same period this year is already 32.  There should be no question in your mind that there are buyers out there – even during this festive time of the year!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a warm and wonderful holiday season and happy and healthy new year!

Jennifer Blanchard is a sales associate with Weichert Realtors in Basking Ridge. She writes a real estate blog at http://basking-ridge-real-estate.com/blog.