Staging a home for resale can make a big difference in your bottom line. According to a survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), over half of respondents felt that staging increases a home’s value. The majority felt that this increase was worth between 5% and 10%, which is no small amount, considering that most homes sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Still, staging during the holiday season is a separate feat entirely. Put simply, you’ll want your home to be seen as seasonal without going overboard. With that in mind, we’ve brought you a few dos and don’t for staging a home during the holiday season. Read them over so that you know how to make sure your property looks its best.
DO: Declutter before taking listing photos
No matter what time of year you’re putting your home on the market, decluttering should be the first step. At its core, decluttering allows prospective buyers to visualize how they would use the space. It allows them to get a better idea of whether or not your home truly suits their needs.
To that end, start by donating or throwing away items you no longer need or can no longer be used. Then, find creative storage solutions for whatever is left. Once most personal items have a place out of view, you’ll be ready to start taking listing photos.
DON’T: Decorate for listing photos
That said, hold off on decorating for the holidays until after you take those photos. Unfortunately, the holidays only last for a few weeks a year. Real estate photos, on the other hand, have a tendency to stay around a lot longer.
If your property stays on the market for longer than expected, having your home decorated in photos could make it appear as though there has been little interest. This will likely only serve to stigmatize the listing even further with prospective buyers. Instead, it’s a good idea to try and make your home appear as timeless as possible. That way, if your time on the market creeps up, no one will be the wiser.
DO: Embrace small seasonal touches
By the same token, there is something to be said about adding a few seasonal touches to your decor. Particularly in the winter months, these additions can make your home feel like a warm and inviting respite against the colder temperatures.
So, drape a knitted throw blanket alongside the back of the couch. Light a scented candle a few minutes before your next showing and hang a seasonally-appropriate wreath on your front door. The more you can do to make your home feel welcoming, the more likely you are to find a buyer who’s willing to put in an offer.
DON’T: Overpersonalize your decor
Although adding a few seasonal touches to your home’s design is recommended, it’s very important to keep the design elements you choose as neutral as possible. Unfortunately, over-personalized decor choices can be polarizing and may turn off some prospective buyers who might otherwise have some interest in your home.
For example. You’ll want to use religious decorations sparingly. The same goes for any decorations that feature family photos. Opting for neutral, seasonally-appropriate design elements will allow as many buyers to picture themselves living in your home as possible and increase your chances of getting a bid.
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