Toula's Blog

It’s a great time of year to sell your home!

Afterall, buyers who are actively looking at this time of year are serious.

Sellers; Go ahead and put up some holiday trimmings, but decorate in a way that won't turn off buyers.

You still need to show off your home’s architectural details & condition, so strike a balance between showing off your HOME, and not your decorations. 

You may want to pull out all the stops and decorate according to family traditions, but houses that are on the market shouldn’t be overly personalized or cluttered at any time.

You want buyers to wish your home was their home for the holidays.

The following tips will help sellers achieve the right decorating balance:

Add tasteful, generic decorations. Decorations can be an asset to a sale; one wreath, one tree, one dining table centerpiece.  A tall narrow tree to emphasize a room’s height and conserve floor space.  Avoid “cute” wreaths with gingerbread men or oversized inflatable snowmen on front yards. Steer clear of personalized objects such as monogrammed stockings. When decorations get too personal, people have a hard time picturing themselves in the home.  Religious symbols should be used sparingly, if at all.

Trade non-seasonal for seasonal decorations.  To avoid clutter, remove a non-holiday accessory for each seasonal accessory added.  

It’s worth it.  Even if decorating seems to be quite a task, sellers should not to avoid all decorations.  Buyers expect some decorations, which add warmth.

Think green…and metallic, and white. Too much red and green can backfire. Practitioners suggest to add neutral colors; silvers, golds and classic whites.  Examples: vases of white roses, lilies, and freesia, complemented by evergreens.  Or replace a few knobs in a bathroom or kitchen with ones that add a touch of seasonal color.

Remember the joy of entertaining.  Home entertaining equates to happy homeownership.  Example; stage the kitchen as if you were going to throw a small holiday party.   

Be mindful of valuable gifts. It’s a smart precaution anytime, to keep presents and family heirlooms out of sight to avoid distracting buyers.  If you must have a few presents under the tree, wrap a few empty boxes, for effect.

Keep up decorations for a limited time.  While most homeowners love prolonging the holiday spirit, experts suggest when a home is on the market, keeping it at a maximum of two weeks before and two after the holiday.

Add warmth and energy.  Nothing says holidays more than twinkling lights and crackling fires, but make smart choices. Lights, which also help illuminate a home’s exterior in the dark—particularly important in winter when many showings take place—shouldn’t be left on all the time. Select efficient LED bulbs and use them with motion detectors or timers. To get a fire going quickly and make clean-up easier, consider manufactured logs.

Minimize smells.  Holiday aromas—baked goods and live greens—enhance seasonal decor, but overly strong fragrances from air fresheners and candles may send an impression that odors are being covered up. 

Play soothing music. Most people get their fill of jingles and carols, so suggest non-seasonal favorites that appeal year-round.

Remember winter’s threat.  Keep walkways & entrance ways cleared rather than have snow and ice become part of the décor.   

For the little extra touch.  Leave out a plate of cookies or treats, which buyers will associate with the spirit of giving.

Happy Holidays!