Selling your home at Christmas should be a careful balance of being seen to be getting into the festive spirit without going over the top and decorating every inch of available space.
Less is more. Prospective buyers will want a clear view of the features of your home, without having to fight their way through countless ornaments and nick-nacks to see them.
Don’t over-indulge in the Christmas spirit
By all means pay a nod to Christmas – you could look a little Ebenezer Scrooge if you don’t. But decorate for your potential buyer’s needs, not necessarily your family traditions.
A tasteful, homely festive look is likely to work best. To maximise space, you should also avoid over-sized decorations, such as bulky Christmas trees that could block valuable natural light from windows and doors.
Since many of us have about three times the decorations we need hiding in our lofts use the opportunity to purge them alongside your other belongings. It will make it easier on moving day! Putting out a more limited range of decorations will also mean less to dust before viewings.
Importantly, don’t use Christmas-themed photographs in your listing – it will quickly date your marketing after the tinsel is tucked away.
Create a Christmas atmosphere
For many of us, Christmas evokes meet-ups and fun times so don’t be afraid to tug on the heartstrings of your potential buyers. Aiming for a family market?
Lay a sumptuous festive dining table where prospective buyers can imagine themselves sitting down for turkey and trimmings.
Do you have a perfect space to snuggle in front of the TV and catch a Christmas film or two? Turn the heating on or light a fire to ramp up the cosy feel. You could even have a Christmas classic playing in the background during viewings.
A glass of mulled wine and a mince pie or two may also be welcomed by cold and hungry prospective buyers.
Get organised
This time of the year is traditionally quieter for house sales. However, the autumn’s early surge of activity, coming after the interest rate cuts in August and November, could mean more potential buyers than ever coming to market over the next few weeks.
Businesses will be shutting up shop for the Christmas break and it might be harder to get hold of the people you need. Ensure that you have appointed everyone you need to early and that you are already building relationships with them so that your property becomes their priority.
Be ready to move quickly by also getting all your paperwork in order. Being prepared will also set you up for the post-Christmas rush and help you stand out from your competitors.
Be flexible
Selling at this time of year will also mean being extra flexible, especially around viewing times. Your prospective buyers are likely to be running around just as much as you are.
Try to accommodate them where you can in order to minimise stress levels – even if it means being late to your Christmas work party because you have to prepare for a viewing.