There's no place like home for the holidays. Unless you’re trying to sell your house. It may seem like there’s too much going on. Would people even be looking for houses? Actually, they are and you can capitalize on the festive feelings around the holidays. Below are some suggestions, for pocketing a real estate deal before the new year rolls around, courtesy of Megan Hannah.
Watch the Tree
Some people just love having a huge Christmas tree in their living room. But, before you go all out, the wise people at HGTV suggest that you may want to scale back this year. Too many decorations can affect the impression you want potential buyers to have of your home. They need to be able to picture themselves in the space, and holiday decorations can be too personal. Too many decorations can be off-putting for buyers. Remember that not everyone shares your personal convictions. Keeping your holiday displays low-key will avoid offending potential buyers.
Serve Them Some Treats
Every house has distinctive scents. You don’t notice yours, because you live there and you’re used to it. Avoid using air fresheners or other artificial scents to try to cover up smells because it can leave a negative impression. On the other hand, there's nothing like the aroma of fresh-baked cookies. So take a tip from realtor.com and bake up some goodies for your visitors. No cooking skills? No problem. Buy a bag of store-bought cookies from the market, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds, and enjoy the fragrance.
Use the Season to Your Benefit
Emotion plays a major role in most buying decisions. Buying a house is an especially emotional purchase. We want to imagine the space as somewhere to raise children, grow old, or relax after work. It forms a core part of our identity.
You can take advantage of the holidays by adding heartwarming touches to your decor -- then having professional photographs taken that really highlight your home’s artistry. After all, you want buyers to picture themselves having their own celebrations there next year! Don’t overdo it, but Christmas lights can be used to make a room seem larger.
Make It Accessible
There's no telling what Old Man Winter may send your way before warm weather rolls back around. So keep the snow shovel handy, just in case you wake to find your walkway covered by a foot or two of fresh powder. Scatter rock salt or another anti-freezing product for everyone's safety and peace of mind.
Outsource the Cleaning
A tidy home sells faster than a messy one. Hiring a local maid service to tend to these duties is one of the smartest investments you can make. Likewise, you can spruce up your old furniture by searching online for local furniture cleaners, then browsing prices and reviews to find what works best for you. Angi notes that if your furniture is under warranty, cleaning might even be covered by the manufacturer, and further points out that the company you hire should have specialized equipment for carpets vs. couches, so do your research.
Live Your Life
Don't let the pressure to sell your home ruin this time of year. Limit showings to specific times and days, unless your agent has a hot prospect that can't wait. Take time for family and social activities while you're putting your best foot forward for potential buyers. Being relaxed and refreshed will create the right kind of vibe you need to close the deal sooner rather than later, which is a great way to wrap up the holiday season and get the new year off to a great start.
Rest assured: homes do sell during the holidays. In fact, many of the above tips can increase your home's curb appeal come appraisal time. You may even find yourself with an added reason to celebrate. Best of luck and season's greetings to you and yours!
Megan Hannah is a realtor and photographer based in the Portland area. Get in touch with her today!
Comments