Tis the Season: Staging the Holidays and Beyond

The holiday season, aka winter months, finds many sellers choosing to take their homes off the market. However, those who decide to weather the variables will find some advantages to the season. Since the chill in the air causes the numbers of marketable homes and the “looky-loos” to dwindle, the buyers that do come-a-knockin’ are serious candidates and are looking to make a purchase. ‘Tis the season to capitalize on this situation! This is done through various staging features. You might be saying at this point “Not one more thing…” For that very reason it is the perfect time to bring in a professional home staging business to do the winter make-over. An hour consultation or a couple hours to transform the rooms can be just the gift that reduces your holiday check list. Before specifically addressing holiday staging tips, there are a few elements that need attention due to the seasonal change. Shorter days equate to darker spaces. The first order of business is to adjust your lighting scheme, inside and out. This time of year many buyers will be viewing the home when it is dark. It is essential to add more lamps for both mood and task activities. Amber colored bulbs in a lamp or two will turn up the toasty-warm atmosphere in a given area. For the outside create a solar light path which would effortlessly lead buyers to the front door. These affordable lights could be artfully clustered throughout the front and back yard to add a bit of sparkle and interest to areas that are not very visible. Simplicity and restraint are still the staging guideposts during the holidays but within the margins loads of cheer can be displayed. Remember you are selling real estate - not your holiday collections - the buyers need to see your home’s square footage and outstanding features.

• Exterior: A grouping of poinsettias, door wreath and a strand or two of mini lights will make a complete ensemble for your entry. Or merely a single holiday window candle (there are now cordless LED candles) in each window will create a simple yet visually stunning statement.
• Interior: Holiday color scheme should coordinate with your existing palette. Keep in mind decorations come in more than green, red and gold.

Minimize objects that are attributable to a specific religion.

• Partake with an editing eye in the smells, sounds and textures of the season. Essential oils, simmering cider, melodic music, candles and opulent fabrics on the pillows and towels add to the romance and attractiveness of your home.
• Focal points become the jewels of the home. Fireplaces, bay windows, formal dining rooms, and even the spa tub in the master bath can be stylishly adorned to capture the buyers’ imagination.
• If you have little tikes the urge to play to their bouncing desires will be intense. Be strong - this season’s mantra is “less is more!”

Now that you have taken a few extra transformative steps remind your Realtor to take a new set of photos. This in itself can generate new interest in your home. One more vital tip – the holiday décor should be packed away by mid January and if your house isn’t under contract return it to its “model home persona”. Express the cheer and shovel your paths – potential buyers will appreciate both! Written by: Candace Hutchison Owner - Home Detailing: Staging and Home Styling Services www.decoresolutions.com candi@4r.com 749-2136