AYN Advice

Deck the halls…..Buyer Be-dazzled

Season’s Greetings dear Community Connection readers, for December I’ll address ”   decorating the home for the holidays”. I’ll start with the exterior of the house. To attract buyers, we want to dress the house tastefully so that its features sparkle. To do this, I suggest you use the little clear white lights. Place the lights around the windows and/or in the decorative evergreens that frame the house entrance so that when lit, it looks like the house has been dusted with diamonds. Keep things simple; clear white lights and a seasonal wreath on the front door.

Now for the inside...warm, inviting, and festive...but NOT overdone. The holidays are a time to transform the house into something magical. For two story homes I suggest decorating the banister with evergreen garland and a touch of red. In the kitchen, it can be as simple as a red tablecloth and a clear glass bowl filled with gold or silver balls as a centerpiece. The main bathroom or main level powder room should gleam with clean. Accessorize with seasonal towels perfectly hung, and a scented candle or holiday decoration on the counter. Typically, the Christmas tree is placed in the living room, nothing more is necessary. Remember... space sells; therefore I discourage you from using Christmas decorations that COST you space. More personal decorations like the Christmas village with the train running through it, or that life size Nutcracker soldier should be kept for the next home. Remember...what goes up...must come down. Fresh greenery and festive colours can easily transform your home into your holiday oasis.

One of the questions I get asked during this time of the year is, “should I bother putting up our Christmas / holiday decorations if we are selling our home”. My answer is always an absolute “YES” for several reasons of which I’ll share with you.

  • Each decoration enhances that space/area
  • Typically, the decorations create that warmth that buyers crave
  • The decorations showcase the home
  • With the holidays come company. If your visitors see the beauty you’ve created in your home, they will inform anyone they know looking to buy a home about how quaint, warm and inviting your home is.
  • First impressions; often buyers decide on a home within minutes of entering. Therefore, give them something spectacular to think about.

Here is a list of reminders for December:

  • The Home Renovation Tax Credit – www.cra.qc.ca or 1-877-959-1272 Keep ALL receipts of any renovations you may have addressed and claim them with your income tax statement for 2009. It is a non-refundable tax credit based on eligible expenses for improvements to your house, condo or cottage.
  • Keep the walkway that leads to the house clear at all times.
  • Clutter -free entry; no boots or shoes in the entry of the home.
  • Always have each room well lit for the buyer visits; if buyers struggle to find the lights to the room(s) or find the room(s) to dark it distracts from the home.

May your holiday be brimming with magic and laughter, your New Year overflowing with warmth and love! I wish you all the best for 2010. Keep those emails coming. You may contact me through the paper, or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written by Tracey Phillip of S.O.$. home staging
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