– Tend to the tree: Nothing says Christmas like the tradition and
beauty of the Christmas tree. And just because you are selling
your home doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it this year too. How-
ever, when decorating the tree, keep in mind that you don’t need
to hang each and every ornament you have collected over the
years. It may even be a good idea to skip the personal ornaments
this year altogether, and instead, decorate it with a more simple,
cohesive theme, such as with white lights and gold balls only.
Th is will help you to enjoy the spirit of the season, while not
distracting potential home buyers from visualizing their own
decorated tree in that space. To make a room feel more spacious
while still accommodating the tree, pare its size down this year.
You don’t want it or the presents underneath making your home
look and feel smaller.
– Don’t overdecorate outside. A simple, elegant wreath on the
front door and perhaps faux poinsettias in classic black planters
next to the porch steps can welcome the spirit of the season –
and potential buyers into your home. But for sure no twinkling,
musical, or colorful infl atables on the lawn, front porch, or the
roof. Th is is not the year to compete with your neighbors for the
most decorated home on the street.
Once you’ve tackled the task of tastefully decorating your for-salehome
for the holidays, it is crucial to clean and organize your house
before it goes on the market (and keep it clean and organized while
it’s being shown to prospective buyers). Make sure those closets are
organized and not junked up with everything that you are hiding
for the showings you have that day so potential buyers can fully
grasp how much true storage is in the home. (So all those holiday
crates that you didn’t feel like taking to the attic and organizing?
Sorry, but they need to be hauled back up and neatly stacked
ASAP.) Th e more your pantry, closets, attic, and other storage areas
are organized, the more potential buyers can visualize how their
things will fi t in the space. You also always want to make sure your
home is clean. Th ere is nothing worse for a potential buyer than
to walk into a home that is dirty and smells bad (remember the
tip about displaying a bowl of scented pine cones or the simmering
pot of cider).
When preparing your home to sell, always keep in mind that you
want a buyer to walk into the best version of the house as possible.
Even though it may need to be approached a bit diff erently,
the holiday selling season is no diff erent. So remember these
simple suggestions as the holidays approach, and enjoy the spirit
of the season – and hopefully sell your home to another family
ready to make it their own!
Jonathan Daniel is a realtor with Kaleidoscope Realty Group in
Wake Forest. He may be reached at 919-897-4501 or visit
www.jonathandaniel.exprealty.com.
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