Staging to Sell During the Holidays!

There are many differing opinions about whether or not you should attempt to sell during the Holidays. There will always be buyers that will assume if you're selling during the Holidays then you must be desperate, and their offers will reflect that. But sometimes it just turns out that this is the best time for you. Whatever the reason you are listing during the Holidays, you can still make the most of your sale by paying attention to the details and putting your best face forward.

Smell is always something that people notice immediately, whether consciously or not. So, why not take advantage of the Holiday season by playing into it? Go that extra mile and make the house smell inviting by baking cookies, or simmering cider or mulled wine before your open house. Then leave some baking out for your prospective buyers!

Decorating is very important, but never go over the top. The goal with decorating is to make your house feel welcoming, because it is after all the Holidays, but be careful not to run the risk of offending. Not everyone celebrates Christmas, although most do celebrate family. A few strings of lights and a wreath or pine bowes on the door are usually enough to make your house feel warm and inviting, but avoid large lawn displays while you're selling.

And inside the home, be careful not to consume too much space with your decorations. A smaller Christmas tree is probably best because we know that space sells houses, and try to maintain a more classic theme from room to room. If you've got excess furniture because of the tree, rather than crowding the room, please remove the out of place piece to another room or storage.

Many of our holiday decorations have been collected over the years, and passed down through the generations. Take great care this year when selecting what you display and where you do it. Unfortunately, things do get knocked over and accidents happen, so protect your precious or irreplaceable decorations by leaving them packed away for your next house.

The Holidays can be a wonderful time to sell, because you have the opportunity of touching people in a way that may help them imagine family traditions they'll soon be enjoying in their new home. Sometimes it takes a bit more work and extra planning, but don't be discouraged if this is when you happen to be selling. Put on your best face, and welcome prospective buyers into your home.

Christine Bird is owner and principle stager at New View Home Staging. She is a Certified Canadian Staging Professional, CSP Mentor, and CSP Elite^TM Stager & Instructor. New View Home Staging can be reached at 519-505-0892 or by email at christine@newviewhomestaging.ca. Please feel free to visit our website at www.newviewhomestaging.ca