Three Tips for Showcasing Your Home During the Holiday Season
The holidays are the perfect season for putting your New York City property on the market. However, be careful not to go over the top with holiday décor. Far too many home sellers miss the mark when it comes to showcasing their homes in its best possible light and one of the most common pitfalls we see is clutter, as a result of holiday over decorating. Following are three simple tips, to help you get back on track and attract new buyer prospects.
Less is More
When preparing your home for a sale, you always want to be sure that the main areas of the residence are conducive for an easy walkthrough experience for potential buyers. Essentially, you want the potential buyers to envision how they might fit into the home. While decorations can add some character and warmth during the holiday season, they can also make a space feel smaller and potentially turn off buyers, not able to visualize the space. When choosing how to decorate your home during the holidays, always remember that less is more. You can still convey your holiday cheer without crowding the home.
Keep It Neutral
Bright colors are certainly popular during the holidays – striking reds, greens and blues – but when it comes to prepping your home, neutrals tend to work best. While accent décor can be effective at drawing the eye to certain areas of the room, too much color in any room can be overpowering for some. Pro tip: Always go for elegant neutral accents to add to the ambiance without overwhelming.
Create an Inviting Space
There are many different ways to create spaces within the home that are inviting. Staged homes do this best, since they effectively show buyers the potential that a space could have to make a house a home. Remember to create warmth as much as possible, especially during the chilly holiday season. This can be done with a few staple pieces – a cozy blanket draped over the couch, non-scented candles or a seasonal plant.
Above all else, be sure that you’re showcasing all of the unique features that make your house a home. Perhaps your home has a fireplace, cozy living room or fabulous kitchen. You should pay extra care and attention to any features of the home that you think could potentially sway homebuyers. Think carefully about what makes your home special and, in the end, keep it simple and elegant this holiday season.
Ellie Johnson is president of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York Properties. A Manhattan real estate veteran with rich global experience, Ellie is responsible for launching the brand’s first-ever New York City office. Leveraging her New York City knowledge and associations, she is currently focused on the brokerage’s long-term growth and expansion efforts. Ellie is an active member of REBNY, an elected member of the NYRS’s Board of Advisors, past member of the Ethics Committee and Board Advisor for Perchwell.
