How should I decorate my home during the Holidays, if I am in the process of selling it?

For the house-hunters who venture out over the holiday season to find their next home, they are usually serious about buying a home during this time and are more motivated and deadline driven. Stylish trimmings will make them want to ring in the new year in your home.

Create a cozy vibe. The less-is-more mantra of home staging may tempt you to forgo holiday cheer this year. However, a few subtle touches like a bowl of pinecones, an evergreen wreath, or a pot of cider simmering on the stove can create a warm and festive feeling in your home.

Make sure your holiday collection matches your current decor. If your living room is painted a soothing ocean-blue hue, skip the clashing red garland and opt for white snowflakes or a silver glass-ball wreath. If you’ve got an earthy color scheme, accent with rich tones like cranberries, forest greens and gold.

Accentuate the positive. Too many trimmings may distract buyers, but the right accessories can draw attention to your home’s best features. Try hanging a few tasteful ornaments from your mantel to highlight an elegant fireplace, or dangling mistletoe in an arched doorway.

Go light on lights. Step away from the inflatable snowman. Tone down any garish light displays while your home is on the market. Use simple string lighting to play up your home’s architecture or draw attention to the gorgeous fir tree in your front yard.

Mind the tree. A tall Christmas tree can help you show off your two-story great room, but make sure the wide base won’t overwhelm the floor space. If your living area is on the small side, save space with a skinny tree. Swap the gaudy heirloom ornaments and trim your tree in a cohesive theme such as icicle lights and silver tinsel, for example, or blue and gold glass balls.

Keep it Cozy and Warm. Keep the heat up to a comfortable level. A subtle baking or Christmas tree scent that matches the season is a nice welcoming touch (emphasis on subtle) even light a fire in the fireplace for an extra homey touch. Make sure the house is well lit to counteract the potentially drab feeling of winter.

If your house makes you feel warm and comfortable when you walk in the door, others are likely to feel the same way.

Buyers may be looking to relocate for new jobs before the start of the new year, or they may want to close a deal before the end of the tax year.
Whatever the case may be, should you put the holidays on hold for you and your family, or go ahead and decorate your home!

Every market is different so you should consult with a local professional such as myself, Caron Koteles Riha, who will give you the best advice on whether selling during the holidays or waiting until Spring.

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