Holiday Home Decorating

Here's a great contribution from one of our trusted professionals and business partners ... hope you enjoy it! Whether you're listing your home for sale at this time of year or just want to make it shine over the holidays for family gatherings, this is great advice. Get in touch with Janet if you have more questions or would like to get her opinion and advice. Oh and don't forget to mention that you read about her on the Your Mortgage Matters Blog ! Best, Marshall

At this time of year with the Holidays approaching I am asked by clients and Realtors what you would recommend for Holiday Decorating.

First, let’s start with the outside.

I like to see lights outside but kept to specific areas that will make your house shine.

· A spot light on a beautiful door with a LARGE wreath is stunning.
· Showcase any trees you may have with lights. You can either hang lights from low branches and/or Spot Light those tall Evergreens.
· Use lights in the same color as not to “clutter” the visual affect. White lights are gorgeous, but will the perspective buyer notice another White Holiday lit home?
· All Red or All Blue or Green lights possibly. They need to flatter the selling features and compliment the homes color and style.

Warm & Inviting is always my desire for the exterior of a home for sale. The idea is to have the Buyer WANT to be there to EXPERIENCE the Holidays. WOW them with a bold statement done simply.

Second, now the Interiors it can be difficult. Really understanding who it is you are Marketing too is crucial.

· I ask my clients to minimize all religious icons.
· I recommend that my clients really discipline themselves to only display a small portion of their decorations.
· Keeping the product warm & inviting, cheerful and uncluttered should be the goal.
· This is the perfect time to have a Dining Room set for a party. This would have the buyer dreaming of perhaps them entertaining their friends and family in that room.

Do not leave decorations up after the New Year. It conveys that you are not “on top of things”. An exterior door wreath can be replaced with any other shaped decoration for winter such as a basket with cascading greens or a Pear shape. The circle wreath will look like a Holiday Wreath.

Please decorate your home even while it is in the market. Life is short and you need to enjoy your home during the selling process and holidays!

Happy Holidays,
Janet Marks, Certified CSP
HOW Solutions