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Staging, curb appeal, lighting, and safety tips
Staging and curb appeal can always give a home that extra polish and make it stand out from other homes on the market.
In winter, you’ll also need to consider lighting because “no matter where you live, during wintertime it gets dark earlier, so lighting is a big deal,” says Ruiz. Ensure your walkways are illuminated, that you have easy-to-find light switches, and that your backyard has ample lighting.
Here are some more tips to make your home shine during winter:
Create an emotional connection with holiday decor
Incorporating some holiday spirit into your decor can help attract buyers. Even if you’re not festive, adding some decorative touches will make your home stand out on the market.
“What we do differently is encourage sellers to decorate,” Ruiz explains.
“When someone’s purchasing a home, they’re envisioning themselves in the [space],” he adds. Buying a home is an emotional experience, so it’s a good idea to make your house warm and festive to resonate with people.
“In my experience of working with buyers over the last 20 years, people feel like a house has a soul, has a feeling, and has a way to connect with people, so we’re making it very homey,” he shares. “We’re putting the fireplace on during showings and decorating to make it feel very warm and inviting.”
Minimize clutter
During the holidays, you’ll likely have presents under the tree, as well as personal items, old pictures, and heirlooms. But it’s important, especially during the holidays, to reduce clutter and depersonalize.
“There’s a thin line between making your home look warm, homey, and festive and making it look like a Christmas flea market. Be strategic,” advises Ruiz.
Appeal to sensory experiences
Making a home feel cozy and welcoming goes a long way with buyers. Think subtle scents like cinnamon, vanilla, or fresh pine. They make a space feel homey without being too strong.
A few simple holiday or seasonal touches, like a wreath or a vase of flowers, give the place personality. Keep it minimal so it complements the home instead of stealing the spotlight. Little sensory details like these help buyers actually feel themselves living there.
Stage key living areas to help buyers picture holiday gatherings
Highlight the spots where everyone naturally comes together, especially during the holidays. Set the dining table with festive place settings, a simple centerpiece, or even a few holiday candles to show off how the space could host holiday dinners.
Arrange the living room to feel cozy and inviting, perfect for opening gifts, sipping cocoa, or catching up with family. Subtle holiday accents, like a string of lights, make the space feel warm and festive without going overboard. When key areas are staged this way, buyers can easily imagine celebrating the holidays and making memories in the home.
Update listing photos to reflect the best time of year
Your listing photos are a buyer’s first impression, so make them count. Bright, professional interior shots help rooms feel open and inviting, while exterior photos should show the home at its best, like in summer when everything is sunny and vibrant.
If winter or bad weather makes showings tricky, consider virtual tours so buyers can explore the home online anytime. Updating your marketing materials to highlight these photos keeps the listing fresh and appealing.
Work with a top agent
Partnering with a top agent for your holiday sale can make the home selling process easier and smoother. These professionals have more time to spend with you during the holidays and can advise you on how to position your home for a well-prepared, well-maintained, and well-presented home, says Ruiz.
“Fewer people sell during the holidays because kids are entrenched in the holidays and activities,” says Ruiz. “Even the busiest agents slow down and have more time and bandwidth to spend with clients.”
Holiday challenges that agents can help with
Clients count on agents to be their eyes and ears, says Ruiz. There are several things that a top agent can help with during the winter, including:
- Schedule initial showings on weekends when there’s plenty of daylight to see the roofline, roof tiles, stucco, the exterior, and concrete.
- Advise sellers on how to properly prepare their home for sale, which can include painting and fixes.
- Recommend upgrades that increase home value.
- Suggest servicing the mechanical and plumbing systems, so they pass inspection.
- Provide tips for curb appeal, including lighting, pressure washing decks, walkways, driveways, and the exterior walls.
Final thoughts on selling a home during the holidays
While selling a home during the holidays is not for everyone, for some sellers it makes perfect sense. From creating a warm and inviting atmosphere to timing your sale strategically, we’ve explored how to turn the festive season into a selling point for your property. With the right pricing strategy, holiday decor, staging, and curb appeal tips, you’re on your way to a successful sale.
Header Image Source: (Spiroview Inc / Shutterstock)
