(Cincinnati, Ohio, December 22, 2011) — The end of the year is not just about holiday shopping, family gatherings and other festive events. Many people use the time off to move before the New Year. The professionals at Coldwell Banker West Shell offer the following tips to help sellers maximize their home’s charm and allure during the holidays:
Increase Curb Appeal: First impressions are critical. If the home is in a snowy area, make sure to clear the walkways and driveway. Remove any late fall leaves, and ensure the path to the stairs is free of ice. Put up a few exterior holiday lights and decorations to display seasonal tidings and pride in ownership. Do not overdo the lighting. Keep it tasteful and consistent with the rest of the neighborhood. A holiday welcome mat outside the front door is also an inviting touch.
Keep the House Warm and Welcoming: November, December and January can be cold, so make sure the home is warm and cozy. If the house has a fireplace, light a fire to bring the room to life and enhance the ambience. Bake holiday cookies and treats to give the home an enticing aroma.
Decorate the Interior: It is important not to overwhelm home shoppers with dramatic displays of holiday cheer, so be conservative with holiday decorations. Decorate to accentuate the house, not to cover it. Tasteful decorations will help connect buyers to the home, remind them of pleasant memories and help them imagine their own holiday celebrations there.
Remove the Lock Box: On a more practical note, sellers who are entertaining over the holidays should talk to their real estate sales associate about removing the lock box except during designated appointment times. The multiple listing service information may need to be changed to let sales associates know that there is a temporary showing procedure that requires buyers’ sales associates to call in advance for an appointment. It is best if the house is not shown when entertaining family and friends.
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