We’re halfway through December and holiday celebrations are in full swing. But you’re getting your house ready to sell soon. Between the parties, guests visiting over, painting your house, and deep cleaning for staging, you’ve got a lot of work to do. As a real estate agent in Ontario, I’ve seen clients struggle with this. But don’t worry anymore because I am sharing with you my top holidays hacks. Psst… I only share them with my clients but this holiday season, I want to help you too!
Top 4 holiday hacks if you’re selling your home this winter:
1. Always go cosy
Decorating your home is a very personal thing. Not every potential buyer will like your style and it might turn them away. But everyone loves cosy! So, use the winter season to your benefit and add some throw pillows and blankets to your living room and bedrooms.
You can also add a few subtle Christmas decor pieces including a wreath on your front door, bowl of pinecones, and pumpkin spice or peppermint mocha candles. Don’t display your ceramic winter mugs or snowglobe collection. Keep your home as minimal as possible.
2. Highlight your home’s best features
Does your home have too many trimmings or different textures? Hide the trimmings by taking away your visitors’ attention. You can hang a mistletoe in your doorway, so that’s the first thing they see when they enter your living room. To hide too many textures, take out a few things or or colour coordinate some of the decor pieces.
For example, if you use coloured table cloth on your dining table, take it off. Put a clear table cover instead. If your couch is highly textured, buy some smooth-textured pillow of the same colour.
Use lights to attract your potential buyers’ attention. Too many lights can cause sharp shadows. Pick 3-4 elements in your house and highlight them using LED or spot lights.
3. Go all out with the lights
Say no to inflatable Santa Claus, reindeer, and angel balloons this year. Replace them with high-intensity LED lights to boost your curb appeal and make your house look welcoming and festive. Emphasize your home’s architecture by drawing a line using a string of lights. Only highlight parts you love some the most. Add a few strings of LED lights in your backyard, so it doesn’t look too plain.
4. Plan your meals in advance
Don’t spend too much time cleaning after cooking for your parties. Enjoy the holiday season because it’ll be the last one at your home. Instead, incorporate sheet pan dinners, crockpot or Instant Pot dinners. For dessert, try making them a day or two in advance or purchase from your local bakery.
If the work is too much, reward yourself by hiring a cleaning service. Spend time with family and friends, sip on some hot chocolate, and enjoy the winters. I hope my guide on holiday hacks helps make this holiday season less stressful for you.
Hi! I am Catherine Nacar, Brampton’s top-rated real estate agent. I am here to make your home selling experience better by offering invaluable support, advice, and resources. Book a no-obligation, free consultation session with me today.