Winter Appeal - did you landscape for year round beauty?

With the fresh layer of snow around my home it gives me the opportunity to see the year round beauty of my landscaping.  It is odd bust most home owners don't consider what the yard will look like in winter.  As a Realtor, I know the "appeal" of the yard can be beneficial year round.  December is a great month to sell a home for many reasons, here is a top 10 list...

1. People who look at property during the holidays are serious buyers and are more ready to make a decision.

2. Serious buyers usually have fewer houses to choose from during the holidays, so the property has less competition.

3. Houses “show better” when tastefully decorated for the holidays with the wonderful lights and festive colors associated with the season.

4. Buyers are more emotional during the holidays and often base their decision on the warmth and good feelings they receive when viewing the home.

5. Buyers have more time to look for a house during the holidays because they have designated time off from work to purchase a home.

6. Many people want to buy before the end of the year for financial and tax reasons.

7. January is traditionally the month for transfers. Transferees can’t wait until the spring to buy. These buyers need a home now and houses must be on the market to capture these buyers.

8. Sellers can restrict showings during personal family events and still take advantage of their homes being spruced up and decorated “show ready” property.

9. Sellers can sell now – but specify a delayed closing or extended occupancy until early next year if it is agreeable within the negotiations of the contract.

10. By selling now sellers have the opportunity to buy during the spring – when more properties are on the market.

Back to landscaping - look at your yard now and see if it looks visually attractive.  There are many things that can add to the appeal, physical structures like gazebos, and arbors.  Plants like evergreens add to the appeal, one of my favorite are the ornamental grasses - I actually like them more in the Winter then in the Summer.  They wisp back and forth and have a great sound and provide a food source to small birds.  The options are endless - here is an article I found that speaks more on the topic - http://landscaping.about.com/cs/designexamples1/a/home_landscape.htm