Seems simple: You have loved ones. It’s the season for gift-giving. You buy a gift. Everyone is happy.
But if you really think the process of exchanging gifts is simple, well, think again. It’s more than just finding the perfect present. It’s the subliminal message you send with your gift that can be tricky.
Take, for example, the charity present — something many of us are doing these days and seemingly the perfect gift for someone who has everything. But listen in on this conversation, reported in Time magazine under the heading, “The All-About-Me Gift:”
“If it was to one of my favorite charities that would be different,” Glenn, a 50-something manager, said. “Sometimes I think it’s not even about the charity. They think they’ll look altruistic ...” Possible translation: “A gift isn’t supposed to be about you and your feelings; it should be about me and mine.”
Other gifts that make you wonder about the emotions behind them: a huge box of chocolates for someone struggling to lose weight, an obvious re-gift or a mean-spirited present that makes the recipient feel awful, such as a mother-in-law noted in the Time article who gave her son a lavish gift and his wife a coffee mug labeled “Joe’s wife.” Even expensive gifts for your spouse won’t be welcomed if the family is struggling financially.
Seems these givers have taken the phrase, “It’s better to give than to receive,” literally and have nicely satisfied their needs. When you’re selecting gifts, leave your ego behind.
I plan to list in the spring. What can I do now to prepare?
The post-holiday lull is a great time to catch up on all those projects you’ve been meaning to complete.
As you know, buyers are getting more exacting about the features they want in a home. On the other hand, you may not want to spend too much money upgrading your property. You’ve heard it before, but it’s true: paint makes the biggest difference for the lowest cost. Neutrals are always right, but why not give your space some zip with a feature wall in an up-to-date color?
If you’re handy, tackle some of those repairs you’ve put off. Gouges in walls, loose or missing cabinet doors in the kitchen and dirty carpets tell your buyers you’re not maintaining the property. And do declutter. Help your buyers visualize themselves in your home. As a bonus, you’ll have less to pack once the house is sold.
Take advantage of this time now. Come spring you’ll be glad you did.
Peggy Warren is an affiliate broker with On the Lake Realty in Vonore. She is a licensed Realtor in Tennessee and is a member of the Knoxville Area Association of Realtors. She and husband, Mark, live in Tellico Village.
