There’s no reason to avoid going to market during the festive season, even though traditional wisdom tells us that it’s a slow-moving time of year. Christmas can actually be a great time to attract viewers and secure a sale, but there’s a few things you need to take into account before you start.
Tone down your seasonal decorations
If you like to go all out with the tinsel each year, you’ll have to rein it in a little this time around because too much Christmas glitz can make your house feel crowded. If there’s a huge tree and lots of cards festooned all over the place, viewers might wonder if you’re covering up a patch of damp. Leaving your spaces unobstructed and clearly visible lets potential buyers imagine their own things in there.
Make an extra effort outside
This doesn’t mean the “amusing” inflatable glowing Santa falling down the chimney… Make the outside of your property look inviting and seasonal by installing subtle fairy lights in the porch, placing an illuminated star in the window and leaving curtains open so that the inside looks warm bright and welcoming in the dark.
Invest in some up-to-date decorations
If your tinsel’s looking a bit tatty these days then update it! Modern Christmas decorations will bring new life into your home, as well as lending it a classier feel. Gaudy, overly sparkly and – even worse – tired trimmings simply look depressing. Try some Nordic-themed items and restrict your colour palette to two or three hues.
It’s not just about the visuals
Christmas is also about sounds and smells. If you light some cinnamon or gingerbread-scented candles, or even place a few drops of these oils on your radiators you can create a warm and festive vibe that works on the subconscious (and therefore the most effective) level. Having a seasonal playlist working away quietly in the background won’t hurt, either.
Get your photos done before you decorate
Hopefully, you’ll be packing up and moving to your new home once you’re over the New Year’s Eve celebrations. However, if you’re still waiting for your buyer in January or February, having Christmas decorations in your photos will tell people that you’ve been on the market for a while, which could leave you vulnerable to low-ball offers. Aim for a timeless look in your images so it’s not obvious that your property’s been up for sale for several months.
