Get Buyers into the Holiday Home Buying Spirit

‘Tis the season for gift giving and holiday parties, but not necessarily for real estate. Most people are in the spirit for holiday shopping, not house shopping—not to mention that finances are usually already earmarked for gifts and travel. However, the bright side is that the few house shoppers venturing out during these dark
winter months are usually serious buyers. Partner with a serious Realtor® who doesn’t have holiday travel plans and whose top priority this season is helping you sell your house. Some tips for getting home shoppers into the buying spirit.

Make it Clean
Too many holiday decorations can make a home seem small and cluttered. It can also be distracting to buyers. But a few well placed, tasteful decorations can create a mood that stirs the holiday spirit. If a tree is part of your tradition, try a skinny one this year to accentuate your ­door space. For ornaments, just keep it simple and leave things like keepsakes the kids made or your Santa figurine collection stored away for making memories in your new home. Going simple on the outdoor lighting is
also recommended. Next year you can go “full Griswold” in your new home if you choose.

Make it Cozy
The right balance of holiday décor can create a cozy effect. Forgo the ­air of tinsel and sparkle this year in favor of more soothing natural hues like a bowl of pinecones, evergreen wreaths and rich accent tones like cranberries, forest greens and gold. Add some warm accent lighting, trimmings of soft pillows and throws, and a pot of cider simmering on the stove. If you have a wood or gas fireplace, keep it crackling all season. Home shoppers will want to curl up in your home and make it their own.

Make it Merry
Selling your home during the holidays doesn’t mean you can’t deck the halls. Maybe
not totally “decked out,” if that’s what you usually do, but some tasteful seasonal décor is certainly appropriate. (Think garnish, not garish.) Avoid tacky trends, and instead go for a more classic approach. Nutcrackers are a safe choice as are snowy nature scenes. Set it all off with some white simple string lighting and you’ve got yourself holiday spirit any potential buyers will enjoy.

Krista Cunningham
Advertising & Marketing Guru for
The Columbian and Sprout Digital
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