Prepare Your Home for Winter
November 7, 2018
Downsize Your Home, Upgrade Your Life!
January 7, 2019
5 Staging Tips to Sell Your Home This Holiday Season
If you are looking to sell your home this time of year, there are a few things you should be aware of. Though the festive season puts most of us in a happy-go-lucky mood, there are lots of people who do not celebrate Christmas or just dislike the season. It is best to be mindful of this when staging your home during the holidays. Too many lights and ornaments might work okay for Clark Griswald, but if you would like potential buyers to consider your home, it might be best to keep the nativity scenes and nutcrackers in the closet this year. Below you will find our top 5 staging tips to sell your home this holiday season. Read on to find out more.
Hover over the images to display tasteful home decor that represents what you should do rather than over-cluttered decor.
1. Be mindful of your lighting
Once daylight savings comes around, the days get shorter and the night comes quicker. Go around the exterior (and interior) of your home and make sure that all light bulbs are functioning properly. If you don’t have the front of your house properly lit, it can be dangerous for Buyers if it is hard to see. Make sure to sufficiently salt the front walkway and steps so no one slips and falls. When it comes to string lighting, be sure to keep it to a minimum. Your lights should highlight an architectural feature of the home such as the garage, or the peak above your door. Minimally lighting a tree in the front yard can also look beautiful. If you want to sell your home this holiday season, leave the light up Santa and his reindeer in storage.
2. First impressions are everything!
I’m sure you have heard this before, but it really is true! You want to give the "wow factor" to buyers in the first moments of walking into your house. People are picky, so make sure the first impression is positive. This can easily be done in a few simple steps. A fresh coat of paint on your front door can go a long way. Also, make sure that the trim around the door is not broken or rotting. When it comes to holiday decorations, a simple wreath will look festive and tasteful. A small seasonal arrangement outside or just inside the foyer gives a warm feeling of “home”. Pinterest has lots of great festive decorations to inspire you if you aren’t feeling very creative. Check out the Susan & Moe Team's board here for some inspirational decorations.
3. Make it cozy
The winter days can sure be chilly! Making your home into a cozy space can make a huge difference when people come through it. Subtle touches like a festive centrepiece and table runner, or candles on side tables can make all the difference. Going overboard with these items will turn people off, so keep the decorations minimal and tasteful. If done properly, draping a blanket across a couch or bed can create a subtle touch of coziness. If you are unsure of how to do this, Google "blanket draping photos" or ask your Realtor. The smell of a cinnamon candle or wax warmer can also add that touch of warmth and coziness. If you have a fireplace, the mantle should be tastefully decorated and fire on for showings or open houses. This adds coziness while showing off the unique features of your home. Be safe with any sort of fire burning and make sure you are returning immediately after the showing or open house.
4. Trim the tree
When December rolls around (or perhaps earlier), the Christmas tree goes up and it becomes the focal point of your home. If you have tall ceilings in your great room, a tall tree can look awesome. If you have the standard 8-ft ceilings like the average home, keeping your tree at a smaller, narrower size is best. A large tree in a small room can make your room look even smaller. If you have a real tree, the scent can be lovely but clean the pine needles regularly. Keep the tree décor classy and minimal. During the selling process, it is best to keep the family crafts and heirloom decorations off the tree. Creating a theme for your tree can be simple and effective. Choose a colour and stick with it. Don’t overdo it with tinsel and lights. Topping it off with a simple star will look tasteful and complete.
5. A clean home is a happy home!
Baking cookies before showings can add a delicious scent to your home and will look great on the counter. Once the baking is done, be sure the counter has been cleaned. This time of year is tough to keep the house clean and free of clutter, but it is very important. Though it is great to see a house “lived in”, seeing a house filled with toys and clutter is not so great. Make sure that the interior decorations are kept to a minimum and do not fill tables with fake snow and ornaments. Too many decorations and knick-knacks can portray your home as small and untidy. It is hard for potential buyers to imagine themselves living in a home when there are too many personal items filling the space.
