Thinking of selling your home during the holidays? For some, this may seem like an unusual time to put your home on the market, however there are some advantages! Buyers tend to be more serious and with fewer homes on the market, there is also less competition this time of year. Now, what are the do's and don't for preparing your home for showings during this festive season? Here are a few of our tips below.
- DON'T go overboard with the holiday decorations - Less is more in this case. As a seller, you should be careful to no overdo it on the décor. Too many decorations can distract potential buyers from your homes natural beauty. Having to many decorations can also make your home feel cluttered and smaller than what it actually is.
- DO make sure that you're keeping up with shoveling - Making sure that your driveway and entry steps are clear from snow and ice will make potential buyers feel safe and avoid any accidents.
- DO keep the heat on - After driving out in the cold the last thing you want is potential buyers to come into is a chilly home. Making sure your homes heat is kept at a reasonable temperature will make people feel warm and welcome.
- DO keep the lights on - The sun goes down early this time of year so if you're not home before a scheduled showing, make sure to leave the lights on for buyers and their agent. This includes any outdoor lighting!
- DO create a cozy vibe - Having warm light bulbs instead of bright lights can help make a home feel cozy. A few accent blankets, natural elements such as a bowl of pinecones and a fresh wreath can help make your home feel festive without all the clutter.
- DON'T put your Christmas tree in direct ways of traffic - If you're putting up a Christmas tree while also selling your home it's a great idea to make sure buyers are still able to comfortably walk around during their showing. If you have a small entrance where your normally have your tree, maybe place it in the living room this year.