Christmas is very nearly upon us and if your property is on the market for sale you might not be expecting any viewings. However, statistics from Rightmove show that millions of people search for their new home during the Christmas and New Year so it’s as well to be ready. Here are a few quick tips on how to present your property at Christmas.
1. Kerb Appeal – you want your property to appear welcoming but not like the local garden centre or DIY store. Resist the temptation to fill the garden with reindeer, snowmen, sleighs etc and instead opt for an attractive natural wreath for the front door. Planters with bay or holly trees either side of the entrance work well and a simple string of fairy lights along the fascia or twined round the bay/ holly trees adds a little sparkle.
2. Entrance Hall – If you have room, a console table with a matching pair of lamps or a lantern and a few decorations create a welcoming feel. It’s best that these coordinate i.e. go for either a natural or more glamorous feel rather than a mix. A garland wound round a banister is another option.
3. Christmas Tree – make sure this is in proportion to the size of the room. Although viewers will expect a tree, remember that you don’t want to make the room feel small. Personally, I prefer a tree that contains a mix of decorations that I have been given or collected over a period, but if you are selling it’s nice to have a colour theme of two or three colours that fits in with the room’s colour scheme. If you like to follow trends, peacock blue is very popular this year. As with the exterior, when decorating your tree and the room generally, be restrained.
4. Finishing touches – greenery and scented candles are a good idea at this time of year. Greenery such as a poinsettia (I like cream or pale pink as an alternative to the standard red), cyclamen or an orchid are an easy way to introduce a sense of outdoors at a dreary time of year. Scented candles create a cosy feel – ask your agent to arrive a few minutes early so they can light them.
5. Practicalities – I know it’s difficult to accommodate viewings at Christmas as you may well have visitors and probably just want to relax but if can keep on top of the tidying, washing up and making beds that will make life easier if your agent calls.
Finally, if your agent has taken photos at a time when your decorations are up then you ask him or her to take further photos early in the New Year because nothing dates your listing more than images that are very time specific.
If you need help presenting your home for sale at Christmas, or any other time of year, call 07745 876182 e mail info@homestyle4u.com or complete the enquiry form below. I cover Cheshire and the North West.
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