There are a few things to consider when selling your house over the holidays and few more things that you must consider before you buy house. How to do it successfully when you may have showings is another key consideration. There is a staging solution that works well for sellers and potential buyers but the difficulty is how to make it happen while carrying out all the celebratory tasks already on the agenda.
Get a home staging consultation done to find out what is needed to make your house competitive with others on the market. The costs vary and so it is important to match your staging needs with what your stager will offer. A simple discussion with a stager can help you determine what your needs are so engage in the conversation first. You may not be fully aware of what home stagers can do to successfully meet your requirements.
Once the list of things to do is prepared for you, determine what you can or want to do and what your stager can take care of on your behalf when you can be partaking in holiday festivities. Some stagers have a wealth of services, resources and excellent project management skills.
Have professional photos taken once work is complete. Have your stager recommend the photographer and do it when the house is at its best. This gives your photos longevity during January and February when the holidays are over. Christmas decorated house photos are a big negative for marketing online and in printed materials.
After the professional photos are taken, decorate for the season lightly and simply. Keep in mind that you might have to remove some furniture if your rooms look too crowded because of the location of a Christmas tree. Your room will look much better to potential buyers and keep them looking at the key selling parts of your rooms, not what is on or under the tree.
Move out all wrapping and boxes after opening gifts. Don’t pile new treasures under the tree but put gifts away. Purchase a tree skirt in one colour to hide your tree stand to make it aesthetically more pleasing. Do you want your stager to do your decorating too? There are some that will also do this for you.
Other tips to help you be ready for showing calls at this time of year:
•Hide away storage containers that contain baking and cooking from counter tops
•Hide away gift wrapping materials that take up space and look cluttered
•Wash and put away all kitchen dishes
•Keep your entry clean and boot free
•After January 1st remove all your Christmas décor including the outside lights, etc.
•Update the wreath on your door to be more “wintery” rather than “holiday”
•Keep your driveway and walkway and steps clear of snow and slip free.