Brier has tips for selling a home during the holidays
Home for the holidays is just the feeling that buyers want to feel when they walk into a listing for sale during December.
“However, those looking for a new home prefer to see the house, instead of being possibly overwhelmed by decorations, that could keep them from seeing what the space is like without the many decorations and a very large Christmas tree,” said Sharon Albert Brier, a Realtor with Greenwood King Properties.
When your home is on the market during the holidays, a smaller tree will make the ceilings look higher.
Also, decorations can cover some of your home’s most interesting details such as beveled glass bookshelves, and a beautiful mantle.
“Despite Houston’s cultural diversity, most buyers will be distracted with an overabundance of holiday decor. While this may sound like bah humbug, it isn’t, it is seeing a house through a buyer’s eyes. When you decorate for the holidays or any time of the year, it is a good idea to stop and look at your house the way buyers would, and then make adjustments,” Brier said.
It is important to note, that if a buyer is looking at houses during December, they are serious buyers.
“Therefore, I suggest storing the decorations, and specific religious artifacts that some buyers may want to ooh and ahh at, but not at your home. These items can be brought out on Christmas Day,” Brier said.
However, during the holidays, delicious scents such as homemade cookies baking can be enticing, and your best universal holiday decor that would make anyone feel welcome.
“I also suggest going with gold or silver votives or an all-white theme. Definitely decorate your dining table as festive as you want, put out the snowman dish towel in the kitchen or the Santa hand towels in the powder room,” Brier said.
Another suggestion is to put next to the brochure of your home some photos of Christmases past to show where that extra-large tree goes and the garland on the staircase. Don’t let holiday decorations hide the French doors to the patio or view of the yard.
Serious buyers will drive by at night and be impressed with lights in good taste.
“Shine and sparkle to show off the house, not your decorations. A few whimsical reindeers trotting across your yard will make anyone smile,” Brier said.
In Brier’s experience in being a Realtor since 1980, she can testify that it is not unusual to see contracts during the holidays, or even on Christmas Day. Therefore, she is available 24/7 in December to list or show your home. She doesn’t stop — even during the holidays.