Selling your home during the holidays can be at times a bit overwhelming, but it can be the best time to sell your home. Usually, the inventory is less but buyers often book showings because they have more time to visit homes that are for sale. Out-of-town buyers also use the extra time off during the holidays to schedule viewings.
It can be quite the balancing act to deck the halls and have your home ready to sell. Here are some dos and don’ts that our Anne Winch Real Estate Team has put together to make your holidays more merry than scary!
DO…
Go light on the decorations: You want your next buyer to concentrate on your home and not your holiday decorations. Feel free to dangle a mistletoe or add greenery to your staircase railing and a lovely wreath on your door. Just don’t clutter the inside. You want everyone to appreciate the beauty of your home.
Try to add photos before the decorations go up: Try to have photos of your home before your holiday décor goes up, if possible. As your home will be listed online, if you only have holiday décor in your photos it can date your listing, especially if your listing is up after the holidays.
Consider a smaller tree: Larger Christmas trees can block windows and make your home look smaller. Try to opt for a tree that is smaller like the new “skinny” trees. You can also put your tree in your finished basement to give a better flow to the upstairs. Try to decorate the tree in neutral or monochrome colours and place it where you have high ceilings or where it doesn’t take away from any views in your home.
Use complementary colours: Not every home can handle the red and green colours of Christmas in their homes. Try to make your holiday accessories complement your home. Consider silver or gold table accessories with white candles in the dining room, for example. Accessorize with earth tones, forest green or cranberry pillows on your couch.
DON’T…
Display gifts or expensive items: Keep any gifts or expensive items out of view during your showings. It can add more clutter, plus you don’t want any gifts to go missing.
Don’t go crazy on outside décor: Tasteful lights and a little sparkle outside are more welcoming than a half-inflated snowman or Santa lying on your front lawn. An elaborate display of lights can be very distracting as the first view of your home.
Don’t hide your beautiful mantle: If you have a lovely mantle over your fireplace don’t add too much greenery, stockings, etc. to hide the beauty of your fireplace as a feature of your living or dining room. Add candlesticks or seasonal flowers, less is best.
Don’t forget to clear the clutter: You may have more items hanging around during the holiday season. It is more important than ever to keep the clutter to a minimum. The goal is that when someone arrives at your home, they want to picture themselves living there. Declutter closets, clear countertops and clean off any clutter that you may have on your fridge.
Lastly, our Team would love to wish each and every one of you a safe and happy holiday. From our hearts to yours we wish the best for you in the coming year. Do not hesitate to contact us if you plan on buying or selling a home in the New Year.