Lights, Camera, Action - Let the Magic Begin!
It is that time of the year, when the shops are filled with goodies ready for the festive season and the air is filled with an infectious energy.
Planning to sell your property during this time? Then you have a unique opportunity to present your home at its most heartwarming and inviting. Make it onto a potential purchaser’s shopping list and secure a sale with correct preparation, planning and execution.
Fewer homes on the market over the festive season - means less competition, so make your property stand out and shine! Dress your home to impress, have a realistic price, and market wisely. Purchasers at this time of year are generally serious, not “lookers”, so your success rate can be higher. Re-locaters, those frustrated by searching for a while and those wanting to be in a new home for the new school year, will have a sense of urgency.
Make a great first impression - The good weather sees home seekers out and about and your curb appeal is crucial. First impressions count, so make sure your outdoor space is as appealing as the indoors. Have your gardens looking their best with pots of colour and manicured lawns. Consider adding a festive wreath to your door and ensure that any outdoor lights are working – twinkling festive lights can create a magical evening viewing. Keep decorations tasteful and not too personal; think of classic rather than kitsch.
Subtle Scents - The right scent can evoke warmth and comfort; feelings you want buyers to experience. Scents like cinnamon, pine, and baked goods for the festive season. Keep it subtle, as overpowering fragrances can be off-putting. Similarly, soft background festive music can set a gentle mood without being distracting.
Go Easy on the Decorations - When it comes to festive decorations, less is often more. Potential purchasers may observe different traditions, so keep decorations minimal and neutral. A few well-placed items can suggest that festive vibe without overwhelming. Stick to a neutral palette with splashes of classic reds, greens, or metallics. Potential purchasers should be able to visualise themselves in the home, not feel like they are intruding on your space.
Cool and Light - Good lighting is essential. Also, ensure your home is cool and inviting during the summer heat. Use air conditioning if you have it, but remember not to have it too cool, or open windows to let the fresh air through – a hint to potential purchasers about how nice it would be to spend their festive seasons here.
Clear the Clutter - Before decorating, declutter each room. Too much furniture or personal items can make spaces feel smaller and distract purchasers from the potential of the home. Minimise furniture and remove personal items/ornaments/pictures and excess decoration to avoid clutter. Prospective purchasers need to picture themselves living in the space. Keeping to a minimalist design will create the perfect canvas for them to work with, even during the festive season.
Staging – Your home needs to be the star of the show! Select festive colours that tone with your décor and keep it stylishly simple. The dining area is often the heart of celebrations. Try a simple centrepiece to dress your table and set out the good dinnerware. This can paint a picture of family gatherings, sparking the imagination of prospective buyers. A simple Christmas tree or garland is just enough to add a touch of festivity. When staging your home, every touch should be a soft sell. The gentle aroma of a freshly baked cake/cookies during an open home, or classic magazines/books on the coffee table can arouse the prospective buyer's emotions, as they picture themselves enjoying future holiday seasons in ‘their’ new home. If decorating is not your forte, then a stylist is well worth the money to have your home looking its best.
Outside Entertaining - With the wonderful warm weather that the festive season brings, showcase your outdoor entertaining areas. Festive lighting can create atmosphere, but once again, don’t go overboard. Clean your barbie and outdoor furniture, have paths weed free and decks swept, re-oiled/touched up/painted to look their best. To add a festive touch, you can scatter bright Xmas-coloured cushions on your chairs, add a bright tablecloth, and set the atmosphere in evenings with lighting such as solar garden lights or candles in metal lanterns.
Ensure Accessibility and Safety - With some decorations comes additional wires and trimmings that can be trip hazards. Ensure that walkways are clear both inside and outside the house to prevent accidents and ensure a seamless tour of your home.
Capture the Magic - Hiring a professional photographer to capture your beautiful home is worth the money. Great photos can make your listing really stand out and entice buyers to schedule a viewing.
Preparation is key - Be aware of your competition and have a realistic starting price for your property to generate interest. Remember to factor in slower than usual transaction times once a sale is made, as many brokers, lawyers, and banks have reduced business hours during this time period.
With these tips, you will create a welcoming, festive atmosphere that could just be the perfect gift to a purchaser looking for a new home.
Acknowledgements: Home and Gardens, Polkadotchair, Homelisty, Stayathomemum, Homebeautiful