Posted by Andrea Durway
Staging Your Home During The Holidays
Often sellers will take their homes off the market over the winter holidays. The reasons they give is usually along the lines of, “We’re just too busy and don’t want to deal with it over the holidays.” While it is true that the market slows down this time of year, sellers risk missing out on an offer. People move this time of year because of job changes, expanding families, and a host of other circumstances. If staged right, sellers can attract these buyers.
STAGING TO SELL DURING THE HOLIDAYS
If your house is on the market, or you decide to list it during the holidays, there are some staging tips unique to selling during winter. You will want to aim to strike a balance between making your home festive and keeping it show ready.
Keep It Simple – less is more
While you may be tempted to set out the dozens of snow globes you’ve been collecting since childhood, going overboard with displaying holiday collections is one of the biggest mistakes sellers make. “It is more important than ever during the holidays for sellers to remember that the way you live in your home and the way you list your house are two different things,” explains Liz Connolly, MCSP and owner of INhance IT! Home Staging. “Sellers need to keep in mind that potential buyers are coming from a wide array of religious backgrounds and age ranges and the home must appeal to the widest range of buyers.
It is more important than ever during the holidays for sellers to remember that the way you live in your home and the way you list your house are two different things.
INSIDE
Inside, a few subtle touches like an evergreen wreath, bowl of pine cones, holiday blanket, or candles can create a warm and festive feeling in the home. Avoid anything too personal like monogrammed stockings, photo ornaments, or a ton of greeting cards. Buyers may may not be able to envision themselves living in a home filled with so many personalized items.
ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE
If you have a fireplace, highlight it with simple garland or stockings. If you have tall ceilings in the foyer or living room, take advantage of it with a very tall tree. Just remember to keep it elegant and simple. Sticking with the dominant color palette of the home will keep things tasteful. For example, if you have a lot of blues in your living area, compliment it with white and silver decor instead of red and green.
OUTSIDE
Outside, skip the window decals, giant inflatable snowmen, and nativity scenes. If you usually hang lights, practice restraint and play up your home’s architecture or highlight an impressive evergreen. A simple wreath goes a long way. Again, less is more with holiday decor.
