Will your home be on the market throughout the holidays?  No problem!  While it is true that sales begin to slow down a bit through the winter months, having a home perfectly staged for the season will give you a significant advantage over other sellers in your area!  After all, is there anything more charming and warm than a home during the holidays?  So, what exactly is the key to staging your home on the market during the most wonderful season of the year?  Making it so any buyer can imagine their perfect first holiday in your home! 

Unsure where to start?  We’ve got you covered:

 

Keep things classic.

When you’re beginning to plan exactly how you want to decorate and stage your home, there’s one thing you should always remember: keep it classic.  While there are many trends that come and go during the holidays that might seem appealing to your taste, keep in mind that potential buyers might not agree and be turned off by the décor.  By choosing a classic theme for around the house, you won’t have to worry about people with different tastes focusing on the decorations in a negative light. 

Start with the curb appeal.

Even if the majority of open houses will still be held virtually throughout the winter, it’s safe to assume that potential buyers will be driving past to get a good look at their potential future home.  This is exactly why you should never underestimate quality curb appeal and there’s no better time to have fun with curb appeal than during holidays!  Again, remember to keep this fairly understated and classic.  You might like a good giant inflatable Santa but your potential buyers might also see it as tacky.  Stick with white lights (both strung and if you choose spotlights), lanterns, and wreaths for an elegant display that accentuates your impressive landscaping!

Set a perfect first impression indoors. 

Your entryway will be the first thing people see when they walk in and that first impression can go a very long way.  If you’re looking to have a part of the house decorated in a grand way, here is the place to do it!  Wrap the stairs with garland and bows, place an extra Christmas tree in the foyer and hang a wreath on the door.  But remember, keep this keep things classic!  Stray away from anything that has clever sayings or too many figurines. 

Don’t forget the cozy effect!

The holiday season marks the beginning of the winter months and that means one thing: cozy!  Switch out the regular pillows and add a couple of winter ones.  Grab a couple of chunky throw blankets to drape them over your couch, in a basket by the fireplace or on a decorative ladder.  Add of a couple of candles around the rooms where your family spends the most time (but stray away from lighting them right before or while potential buyers are inside)!  The cozier your home feels, the easier it will be for any family to picture their lives in your home. 

Accentuate your favorite features.

You don’t want your home to be over-decorated and, when in doubt, go with the “less is more” mindset.  So, when thinking about where to decorate, start with your favorite parts of your home.  If they’re your favorite parts, chances are potential buyers will love them as well, and adding holiday décor will only amplify their beauty!  If you have a beautiful fireplace, spend time decorating the mantle with garland and candles.  If you have a top-of-the-line kitchen island, add a classic tray with holiday-inspired décor.  Do you love the way your family room feels?  Add simple items that continue to emphasize the lasting memories that a family could make together while enjoying everything that the holidays offer!

 

If you still find yourself unsure of what you should, or shouldn’t, put out this holiday season, keep these in mind:

Do have – fresh and faux foliage, lanterns, candles (unlit), pillows and throws, wreaths, understated trees, simple color, materials such as metals and wood and neutral pieces that flow with the rest of the home. 

Stray away from – clever signs/sayings, inflatables, talking figurines, too many lights, overstated religious items (you never know what a potential buyer will or will not believe in), too many colors and décor in general. 

 

Happy holidays and best of luck in your home selling journey!

 

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