To be clear, the holiday season is not the best time of year to be trying to buy or sell a home. But in real estate, the client is king. You’ll have buyers looking to grab a home before New Year’s and sellers desperate to get out just as quickly. Here are a few things to keep in mind. Do: Plan ahead Listing a home that is still occupied is always a challenge for sellers, particularly if they are typically at home during the day. Getting sellers to vacate the …

The holiday season can present a big challenge if you’re trying to stay in shape. The weather is cold, you’re distracted by family and friends and, above all else, the food and drink is plentiful. Stuffing yourself on Thanksgiving has become an American pastime, while Christmas and New Year’s bring another two rounds of chocolate, baked goods and bubbly. If you do it right, however, you can enjoy the holiday feasting and still stay fit. Here are a few things to keep in mind. Set aside time at the gym …

It’s easy to allow football and great food to distract from the real purpose of Thanksgiving, which is to reflect on what you are grateful for and to think about how you can help others who are not as fortunate. Here are a number of ways that you can channel the Thanksgiving spirit into actions for the benefit of others. Help your family Just because mom and dad have traditionally taken care of all the Thanksgiving preparations doesn’t mean they wouldn’t appreciate a helping hand. If your past contribution consists …

‘Tis the season for giving, so while you’re out shopping for gifts for your family why not pick something out for your best clients too? Taking the time to show clients how much you appreciate them will strengthen the relationship down the road and may lead to more opportunities the next time they need an agent. Plus, giving gifts is just plain thoughtful! If you’re feeling the holiday spirit this year here are some gift ideas that will make for one happy client: Home sweet home What represents your agent-client …

The holidays are traditionally a tough time to sell homes. Things just slow down overall around Thanksgiving. Sellers who aren’t on a tight timeline will often take their homes off the market or delay putting a property on the market until after New Years. However, there will be plenty of sellers eager to make a sale during the season, and the magic of Christmastime can even prompt some people to consider upgrading their home. Infusing an open home that you host in December with the holiday spirit can go a …

People like getting holiday cards, even from people they don’t know well. Particularly in the digital era, getting a card in the mail fills many with a warm sense of nostalgia for a world that didn’t move quite so quickly as an email or a text message. Above all else, a holiday card to former clients reminds them that you’re still there. That obviously is helpful if they will be in need of a real estate agent again soon, but it also makes it more likely that they will refer …