During the month of December, homes up and down neighborhood streets are decorated from the roof line to the mailbox in Holiday lights, statues and the latest inflatables.  For a home on the market, a more scaled back approach should be taken.

Remember that your home is a product that is being marketed to a wide range of people – some of which may or may not share your beliefs or traditions for the Holidays.  To maximize your curb appeal this December, avoid large yard and tree ornaments, fake snow and candy cane bordered driveways.  Keep it simple – a few lights on the exterior and maybe a wreath on the door is enough to bring Holiday cheer without distracting potential buyers.

Keeping it simple on the inside of your home this Holiday Season is just as important.  Remember less is more when it comes to Real Estate Staging!  Some families like to collect and display Nativity Scenes, Holiday Villages or Santa, his reindeer and elves; these should be kept at a small scale or not displayed at all.  Do not clutter the shelves, countertops or stairways with decorations – you want to maximize the “space” in your home.  If you display a tree, make sure that it is set up in an out of the way place and the size is proportionate to the space.  A tree that is too large or intrusive to an entry or walking path can make these spaces seem smaller than they really are.

The Holiday Season is a great time to use cinnamon or vanilla scents in your home for a cozy and welcoming feel for potential buyers when they walk in the door.  Remember to only use a few of these strategically placed scented air fresheners in your home.

Remember that all Holiday decorations should be packed away by New Year’s for optimal selling success.

Home Staging – 6 Tips for Great Curb Appeal

First impressions are so important for Home Staging in a saturated market!  Make sure your home stands out from the rest starting with the view of your home from the street.  If you follow these tips,  you are sure to have great curb appeal and will bring more buyers to your door.  It is important that you complete these things before your home is listed and photographed to ensure the best results.

-Make sure the yard is in good condition – the lawn is green and mowed, keep the bushes and trees trimmed and the weeds pulled. Don’t forget those ant hills – nobody likes fire ants!

-Make sure there aren’t any items lying around like toys, tools or even the garden hose.

-Extra vehicles or boats and RV’s should be temporarily parked in storage so that the view of your home remains un-obstructed.

-Keep your trash cans and recycle bins hidden from the street and far away from the front door so smells don’t greet your potential buyers.

-For those homeowners with a pool, make sure the water level is right, the water is clear and blue and that any debris is removed from the bottom and from floating on top.

-Make sure to have any repairs complete and if necessary power wash the siding, fence and driveway, remove rusty water stains or paint the exterior before the home is listed.

If you follow these 6 tips,  you are sure to have great curb appeal for Home  Staging and will attract more buyers to your door.