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INTELLIGENCE
Homes DO Sell During the Holidays
It’s a common misconception that the real estate market slows to a halt during the holiday season. Many sellers think it’s better to wait until after the new year to list their homes, assuming that buyers are too busy with holiday plans to think about real estate. However, the truth is that homes do sell during the holidays—and sometimes, even faster than you’d expect! Here’s why you shouldn’t wait to list your home this holiday season. 1. Serious Buyers Are Still Searching The holiday season may be busy for most, but buyers who are looking during this time are often highly motivated. Whether it’s due to job relocations, changes in family circumstances, or wanting to take advantage of year-end tax breaks, holiday buyers are usually on a tight timeline. This means they are more likely to make a serious offer quickly. Tip: Use the urgency to your advantage by showcasing your home as move-in ready, and market its cozy, holiday charm! 2. Less Competition on the Market Since many sellers believe the holiday season is a slow time to sell, fewer homes are listed, which means less competition for you. This reduced inventory can help your home stand out, making it more attractive to the buyers who are actively searching. Tip: With fewer homes available, buyers have fewer options to choose from—so your home could become their top choice more easily. 3. Your Home Looks Its Best One of the best things about selling during the holidays is that homes naturally look more inviting and warm. Seasonal décor, cozy lighting, and holiday touches like wreaths and garlands can enhance your home’s appeal. The festive season can help create an emotional connection for buyers, making them feel right at home the moment they walk through the door. Tip: Keep holiday decorations tasteful and minimal to avoid distracting from your home’s best features. 4. End-of-Year Job Relocations Many companies make relocation decisions at the end of the year, meaning a significant number of buyers are searching for homes over the holidays. These buyers often have deadlines to meet, such as starting a new job in January, and they won’t have the luxury of waiting until spring. Listing your home during the holidays allows you to capture this market of motivated buyers. Tip: Highlight your home’s proximity to local employers, schools, and amenities to appeal to buyers who are relocating. 5. Interest Rates and Market Conditions If the market is favorable and interest rates are low, buyers may be eager to lock in a great mortgage rate before the year ends. Rising rates in the new year could push buyers to act fast, creating a sense of urgency that works in your favor as a seller. Tip: Talk to your real estate agent about current market trends and interest rates to tailor your marketing strategy. 6. Holiday Buyers Are Ready to Act Many buyers take advantage of extra time off work during the holidays to house hunt. With flexible schedules and fewer distractions from daily work routines, holiday buyers tend to have more time to browse listings, schedule showings, and make offers. This concentrated activity can work to your advantage, particularly if your home is priced competitively. Tip: Make sure your home is available for showings, even during the holidays, to accommodate buyers’ schedules. 7. Tax Benefits for Buyers Some buyers are motivated to close on a home before the end of the year to take advantage of tax benefits like mortgage interest deductions or property tax deductions. These financial incentives can give buyers an extra push to act quickly during the holiday season. Tip: Work with your agent to understand these financial drivers and highlight them in your marketing materials. If you’re thinking about selling your home but are hesitant to do so during the holidays, now is the time to reconsider. With serious buyers in the market, less competition, and the natural charm of the holiday season, it’s a great time to list. Homes do sell during the holidays, and you could find yourself under contract faster than you think. Want more advice on selling during the holiday season? Reach out today to get started!
Thanksgiving Prep: How to Get Ready for a Stress-Free Holiday
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and while it’s one of the most cherished holidays of the year, it can also bring a lot of stress. Between hosting family, cooking a feast, and decorating your home, there’s a lot to juggle. But don’t worry! With some thoughtful planning and creative touches, you can make your Thanksgiving celebration as smooth and special as possible. Here’s your guide to prepping for a memorable, stressfree holiday. 1. Start Planning EarlyOne of the best ways to stay organized is by planning ahead. Start by creating a checklist of everything you need, from groceries to decorations. If you're hosting, finalize your guest list a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving so you can plan how much food you'll need. Tip: Order your turkey early! Whether you’re going fresh or frozen, securing your bird ahead of time ensures you won’t be caught without one. 2. Delegate the CookingThanksgiving dinner doesn’t have to be a oneperson show. Ask family and friends to bring a dish, or assign smaller tasks like setting the table or making drinks. Potluckstyle meals are a great way to ease the burden and allow everyone to contribute to the feast. Tip: Coordinate who’s bringing what to avoid duplicates, and make sure to note any dietary preferences. 3. Prep as Much as You Can Ahead of TimeThere are plenty of dishes you can prepare the night before Thanksgiving to save time on the big day. Pies, casseroles, and cranberry sauce are all great candidates for prepping in advance. Even chopping vegetables and measuring out ingredients beforehand can make a huge difference. Tip: Set the table the night before. It’s one less thing to worry about on Thanksgiving morning! 4. Add a Unique Twist to Your MenuWhile traditional dishes are always a hit, why not put a fresh spin on them this year? Add a new side dish or try a twist on an old favorite—like stuffing with added dried fruit or a spicy cranberry relish. You can even experiment with different turkey preparations, such as deep frying, smoking, or using unique seasonings. Tip: Want to make a statement? Serve a signature cocktail or mocktail for guests to enjoy while dinner is cooking. 5. Set the Mood with Cozy DécorThanksgiving is all about warmth and togetherness, so reflect that in your home décor. Use candles, seasonal flowers, and pumpkins to create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. You can even make personalized place settings for each guest, complete with a note of gratitude. Tip: Keep it simple but meaningful. Focus on natural elements like pinecones, fall leaves, and warm colors to set the perfect mood. 6. Gratitude is KeyAt the heart of Thanksgiving is gratitude. Take time during the meal to go around the table and share what everyone is thankful for this year. It’s a meaningful way to connect with loved ones and appreciate the season. Tip: Create a “gratitude tree” where guests can write what they’re thankful for on paper leaves and hang them on a decorative branch or display. 7. Don’t Forget About LeftoversHalf the fun of Thanksgiving is the leftovers! Prepare for the postdinner feast by stocking up on containers and foil. Get creative with your leftovers—turn turkey into sandwiches, soups, or casseroles, and repurpose mashed potatoes into breakfast hash. Tip: If you’re hosting, send guests home with a little leftover bundle as a sweet reminder of the day. Thanksgiving is about enjoying good food, great company, and a moment to be thankful. With a little planning, creativity, and delegation, your holiday can be stressfree and filled with joy. So take a deep breath, get organized, and prepare for a celebration that’s as meaningful as it is delicious! Happy Thanksgiving!
Top Fall Events You Won't Want to Miss
Ventura County truly shines in the fall, offering a range of local events perfect for embracing the season. Whether you're looking for family-friendly activities, pumpkin patches, or spooky thrills, there's something for everyone in the area. Here's a roundup of some of the best fall events happening right here! Pumpkin Patches: 1. Underwood Family Farms (Moorpark)Underwood Family Farms is a fall favorite for many in Ventura County. Known for its sprawling pumpkin patch, this farm offers a variety of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes, perfect for carving, decorating, or cooking. Beyond pumpkins, their Fall Harvest Festival features tractor rides, pig races, a corn maze, and other fun activities that make for a full day of family-friendly fun. Don't forget to check out the live entertainment and delicious farm-fresh snacks! The Underwood Farm Center in Somis also has a pumpkin patch along with its year-round animal center. https://underwoodfamilyfarms.com/fall-harvest/ 2. Seasonal Adventures Pumpkin Patch (Thousand Oaks)This Pumpkin Patch is second to none! With mechanical rides, blow up slides, obstacle courses, bounce houses, and a petting zoo too! They have a HUGE supply of fresh pumpkins in all shapes and sizes, many varieties of squash and gourds too! If you're looking for fun fall decorations, they have it all! Scarecrows, cornstalks, Indian corn, and straw bales for you! https://www.seasonaladventures.com/thousandoakspumpkins 3. Prancer’s Pumpkin Village (Ventura)Located right in Ventura, Prancer’s Pumpkin Village is another fantastic spot to get into the fall spirit. With a large selection of pumpkins, a petting zoo, hayrides, and plenty of family-friendly activities, this pumpkin patch has something for everyone. The festive atmosphere and variety of attractions make it a perfect outing for families and friends alike. https://www.yelp.com/biz/prancers-pumpkin-village-ventura-3 4. Big Wave Dave’s Pumpkin Patch (Ventura)Big Wave Dave’s offers the quintessential pumpkin patch experience with locations in both Ventura and Camarillo. Alongside an impressive array of pumpkins, they provide fun photo opportunities to capture your fall memories. The welcoming, laid-back atmosphere makes it a great spot for a relaxed fall outing. https://www.bigwavedaveschristmastrees.com/pumpkin-patch 5. McGrath Great Pacific Pumpkins (Ventura)Run by fifth-generation family farmers dedicated to serving the greater Ventura County community. The Fall Harvest Pumpkin Patch offers fun for kids of all ages, featuring tractor-drawn hay rides, a challenging hay maze, and a chance to meet friendly farm animals. You’ll find a wide selection of pumpkins, squash, and everything you need for your harvest season. https://www.instagram.com/mcgrathgreatpacificpumpkins/?hl=en 6. Pumpkin Patch at Christ the King Lutheran Church (Newbury Park)Just a short drive outside of Ventura County, Bennett’s Best Pumpkin Patch in Westlake Village is worth the trip. They offer a fantastic variety of pumpkins along with fun activities like bounce houses for the kids. It’s a great spot for families looking to enjoy a festive fall day. https://ctknp.com/pumpkin-patch Fall Events: 27th Annual Fall Harvest Festival returns at Underwood Family Farms September 28th - October 31st 52nd Annual Ventura Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft Show October 4th-6th St. Paschal Baylon Conejo Fall Fest in Thousand Oaks October 18th-20th Trail or Treat Event at Camarillo Grove Park October 19th Halloween Haunted Trail, Costume Contest and Trick-or-Treat Street in Thousand Oaks October 19th 3rd Annual Fall Festival at Plaza Park in Downtown Oxnard October 19th Calabasas Pumpkin Festival at De Anza Park October 20th Thousand Oaks Rotary Street Fair October 20th 13th Annual Taste of Conejo in Westlake Village October 24th Halloween “BooFest” Event in Old Town Camarillo October 26th Dia De Los Muertos Event at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park in Camarillo October 26th Howl-O-Ween Event at Mission Oaks Park in Camarillo October 26th Pumpkin Fest Free Event at CTK Newbury Park October 26th Parade of Frights and Other Halloween Activities at Channel Islands Harbor October 26th Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest at Ventura Harbor October 26th Trick or Treating at Ventura Harbor Village October 27th 63rd Annual Halloween Youth Carnival in Simi Valley (Must RSVP) October 31st Halloween Carnival in Oak Park October 31st Haunted High Street Event in Moorpark October 31st Halloween in the Park at Community Center Park in Camarillo October 31st We may not have the chilly temperatures or changing leaves of other regions, but it more than makes up for it with a variety of festive fall events. Whether you’re seeking thrills, delicious fall treats, or just some good old-fashioned pumpkin picking, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season. So grab your favorite scarf, pick out a pumpkin, and enjoy everything this fall has to offer!