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Staging Your Home During the Holidays

By
Real Estate Agent with Founding Partner, HER Realtors

Staging a home for a sale is most effective when the home is clean, free of clutter, and appeals to potential buyers' senses using color, light, and natural scents. As long as these basic rules are followed, holiday décor can enhance a home's staging. The key to successful holiday staging is keeping it subtle. The décor should be inviting, but not too personalized.

It is important to make a good first impression, so don't overlook the front door. A small wreath made from natural materials such as holly, evergreens, or twigs, should have a few touches of festive color and should offset the house's paint colors. Avoid large candy canes, Santa and Mrs. Clauses, or other distracting statues.

Keep outdoor lights to a minimum. Use white or clear lights on small trees and bushes. To further set the stage for the holidays, wrap lit garland around a front lamp post.

Have a tree, but keep it small to medium-sized. You don't want the tree to take up too much square footage. Following suit with the rest of the Holiday décor, keep the decorations on the tree simple. A few sets of coordinating ornaments and white or clear lights should achieve a subtle, elegant look. Finally, the only thing under the tree should be its skirt. Gifts appear cluttered, invite theft, and "over-personalize" the home.

Other indoor decorations should be kept to a minimum. A few holiday candles, a bowl of fruit or pine cones and garland on the mantle can create a festive tone that isn't distracting. Pay attention to color, the decorations should not clash with the interior.

Don't forget to appeal to the senses. Natural plant scents such as pine are appealing, festive, and create a homey feeling. Create texture with fabric by layering cloths on a table or placing a throw blanket over a sofa. Play holiday or classical music without lyrics and serve treats such as cider, nuts, and spiced bread.

Alix Pinzon
Open Mortgage, LLC NMLS # 2975 - Downey, CA
(562)743-6086
Hi Amy,  Don't forget to leave some cookies for Santa.  He gets hungry.  I'm a former resident of Piqua, and thought I'd check out the Miami County active rain members' blogs.  Good to see that you're still at it.  You're welcome to check out my blogs, or my website.  I could really use the hits.  Visit me at www.southerncaliforniaappraisers.net   Hope to hear from you soon.
Dec 12, 2007 04:59 PM
Amy Watt
Founding Partner, HER Realtors - Troy, OH
Troy, Ohio

Hi Gregg, thank you for the response! Cookies are always a good idea around the holidays! I did visit your website, looks good! If you have friends or relatives back in Piqua that could use the expert advice of a trusted Realtor, send them to my website at www.realliving.com/amy.watt

Happy Holidays to you and yours,

Amy

Dec 17, 2007 03:22 AM
Amy Watt
Founding Partner, HER Realtors - Troy, OH
Troy, Ohio

Hi Gregg, thank you for the response! Cookies are always a good idea around the holidays! I did visit your website, looks good! If you have friends or relatives back in Piqua that could use the expert advice of a trusted Realtor, send them to my website at www.realliving.com/amy.watt

Happy Holidays to you and yours,

Amy

Dec 17, 2007 03:22 AM