The short answer is NO to both questions, not if it your home is tastefully decorated. There is such a thing as "Holiday Curb Appeal". Most people realize that during the holidays people decorate their homes inside and out and most people like homes that are decorated. When selling your home it is a plus for potential buyers to envision just how their decorations and trees will look in their "new" home. The more they can "see" themselves in your home, the better the chances are for selling your home to that buyer.
So decorate tastefully and if in doubt ask your local realtor which homes in the area have great holiday curb appeal, then drive by them and see for yourself. Holidays should be a time for fun and excitement, so give your potential buyers all this and more when they pull up to your home.
Bake breads or cookies before showings to give the potential buyers that real at home feel. The sense of smell is the most powerful memory booster. People smell fresh baked goods and it usually conjures up some really wonderful memories for them. Don't forget to give the appraiser some home baked goodies! Just kidding, buttering up the appraiser will NOT get you a higher appraised value...but I am sure you already know this!
Not big into baking? Try a little tip - place a little dab of vanilla extract onto the top of your light bulbs on your lamps and once the lamps are lit for a few minutes it will smell like a something is baking in the oven.
So go ahead and decorate to your hearts content, enjoy the holidays and you may just get yourself a buyer.
Happy Holidays everyone and come on back for more tips during the holidays if you are trying to sell your home during this special time of year.
Photo above provided by www.inmagine.com
Mary Thompson your North Georgia Real Estate Examiner. Click Here
Certified Real Estate Appraiser who specializes in Lake Lanier Property. 16 years of lake property appraising in all the Counties that surround Lake Lanier. We Appraise all Single Family Homes.
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I don't know, Mary - What if your potential doesn't celebrate Christian holidays... or the seller neglects to take the lights down within a couple of weeks of the holidays? I mentioned to a co-worker just a couple of weeks ago that nothing gives the initial impression of neglect to house like Christmas lights in July.
This is the same reason that I don't put political stickers on my car, etc... Why alienate a potential friend or business deal?
Sara:
Of course! If the seller leaves lights out well past the holiday season, this is a problem and it goes without saying. As for buyers not celebrating the Christmas Holidays, I know this is a very personal statement I am going to make here, but if buyers do not understand the celebratory nature of this season and that most people celebrate the holidays in one form or another at this time of the year, then maybe they are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sorry but that is how I feel about celebrating Christmas Holidays or if you prefer to be politically correct the Holiday Season.The fact is that Christmas is in December and if I loose a client or a friend over my beliefs, well then that is a friend or a client that I do not want to have.
Okay I am ready for my public bashing on my feelings here.
I agree and this time of year I tell sellers that the more homey a house is, the more a buyer will feel at home in it! Besides we all know that the serious buyers are out this time of year!
Mary... I'm not sure that anyone will bash... You're in the majority. Even my Hindu friends sport Christmas trees in their front windows.... because 'we'll embrace any nice holiday tradition' my friend will say.
In fact, I am making assumptions that there must be someone seasonal decorations are alienating... but during the Christmas season (which starts the day after Halloween, right?) is the start of Chinese New Year, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Dawali, and the list goes on...
The two religions that I can think of that don't celebrate holidays are Islam and Jehova's Witness. Perhaps if a house is listed in an area with a known populous of either of these religions it might effect the saleability if Christmas decorations are present while it is on the open market.
I think simplicity is best. Make a home inviting! No matter how it is decorated, no matter what time of year. We all have been in many types of homes with various "beliefs" I'm sure with x-mas trees, buddhas, stars, etc. We can tell the difference between "Gawdy" and "simple" and pure neglect. I hope we all can anyway! Also, if one is of a differing "populous," as Sara states, one should be aware of what they might expect if looking to buy in one of these market areas, and the agents involved should make this very clear!
I like the scented lights idea! Since I don't bake, I can give the illusion I do for my house guests!
HA! Nutmeg was my graphic code for posting!
Sara & Jeremy: I AGREED and thanks for your commentary.