Here we are at the end of October...the trick or treaters haven't even knocked on the door yet, but the Christmas decorations are all over the drug stores, malls, and department stores. Trees, stockings, wreaths, bows, wrapping paper. Sparkling, shiny, beautiful temptations just calling to you from the shelves. Pick me...pick me...
STOP! Step away from the garland and remember that your house is on the market.
You want buyers to walk in and imagine themselves at home. Remember all of those staging tips your agent gave you when you listed your house? Perhaps you had a professional stage the home for you. This is the time of year when lookers turn into buyers. Lookers do not take the time to tour homes during the holidays, but serious buyers do.
If you absolutely must have holiday displays, here are a few dos and don'ts for decorating while selling your home:
~ Don't fill the front yard with animated snowmen, reindeer, or Santa and the elves. Potential buyers should be able to actually see the house, not get lost in a winter wonderland making their way to the front door.
~ Don't trim every available window sill, eave, gutter, bush, shrub and tree with lights. Your home is not a landing strip for aircraft and should not be visibly blinking from miles away.
~ Don't put a different theme tree in every room of your house. The buyer's focus should be on the space and not on your Star Trek ornament collection. One small tree with presents neatly stacked underneath is sufficient...anything large will take up too much space and make the room appear smaller than it is.
~ DO place a simple wreath on the front door to greet guests. No battery operated models allowed...fresh greenery with a modest bow will suffice.
~ DO buy some fresh seasonal flowers or plants to place on the hearth of the fireplace, if you have one, or to use as a centerpiece on the dining room table. Please remember to water them, since dead plants don't exactly reflect the spirit of the season or make the home show well.
~ DO allow some apple cider or cinnamon sticks to simmer on the stove before a showing to fill the home with a nice fragrance.
Selling your home during the holidays can be challenging, but with a little preparation and common sense you can be ready to usher in the New Year in your new home.
Want more information on buying or selling your West Bank home? Check out Your West Bank Real Estate Specialist. Wondering what your home is worth? Get your free neighborhood market snapshot delivered to your email in minutes.
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