Tips on staging your home during the holidays in Ames, Iowa
Nowadays, any time of year is good for selling your home. You don’t need to wait until spring or before school starts as long as your property is clean, in good condition and priced correctly.
Many sellers question if December bodes well considering how busy people are and because so many home owners like to personally decorate their homes during this time. Holiday decorations can distract buyers and make it hard to focus on a home’s important features.
No need to forgo your favorite traditions but keep these tips in mind. And don’t forget, if the weather brings snow and ice, make sure the home is safe to enter by clearing all walks, steps, and the driveway and put down some salt if needed.
- Should we take our house off the market or not list it until after the holidays? Absolutely keep it on the market. While sales may go down this time of year, people who brave the weather and take time out of busy schedules, are the most serious about buying. Some buyers also like the idea of purchasing before the end of the year for tax reasons. This is also a good time to sell due to low inventory and low loan rates.
- What are appropriate outdoor decorations? Simple and classic. Some lights on the trees and bushes, potted plants and a wreath on the front door. Light colors should be kept to white or discrete seasonal pairings such as green and red or silver and gold. Keep in mind that during the day, the wires from lights can actually be an eyesore. A festive, warm holiday mood is all that is needed.
- What’s best for the inside? Avoid clutter and try to stay neutral. Be subtle with your personality, now as well as throughout the year. Good ideas would be one tree with a few ornaments and wrapped presents, one wreath, a simple garland up a staircase, a few stockings, some candles and a holiday inspired dining room table runner. Tons of holiday cards, miles of tinsel and every decoration you own may get too personal and messy. The goal is to let the buyers imagine their own holidays in the home.
- What about religious decorations? If these objects are very meaningful to you no one wants to ask you to change your traditions but the key is to not have too much.
- Music? Soft music is fine but remember, some buyers may be tired of hearing holiday music.
- Do cookies and candles smells entice buyers? Baked goods and fragrant candles always bring a nice welcome. It’s an emotional touch that lets buyers make a connection with the home. But of course, don’t overwhelm.
- Is it okay to say no to showings when having visitors or parties during the holidays? Of course you can say no but not repeatedly. If you are planning to have a lot of overnight guests and parties, it might be better to list in January. If you have a party, be sure to thoroughly clean up right away.
- By what time should be decorations be taken down? By the week after New Years.
And remember, seasonal good cheer is always in style!
