How to stage your home for sale during the holidays

Putting a home up for sale during the holidays is not usually a home seller’s first choice. But things like business relocations or military transfers mean that you can find yourself putting up a “For Sale” sign in the middle of a snowdrift. While this may not be the optimal time to attract home buyers, don’t despair. We, at Alaska Homes by Brooke, are always here to help with our tips for how to stage your home for sale during the holidays. With the right staging you can create your own holiday magic to capture the interest of a potential buyer and ensure a merry season for all.

Start Simple when you Stage Your Home for Sale

The basics of selling a home never change: Clear the clutter and use some simple staging techniques to make your home look its best. As experienced real estate agents in the Anchorage and Eagle River, Alaska area for the last 20-plus years, we can guide you in this process.

We know that holiday schedules can get hectic, so remember that staging doesn’t have to be complicated. You can use your own furniture, and a few select seasonal props that bring in the warmth and festivity of the season without overwhelming the space or potential buyers. Try and keep the environment as neutral as possible and clear away personal items such as framed family photos or personalized stockings. This way, visitors will be better able to envision themselves in your beautiful setting. Create a comfortable, cozy, setting without going over the top with too many decorations, and you’ll be setting just the right mood.  

Spark their imagination

During the cold winter months, there’s nothing more inviting than a crackling, warm fireplace. If you are able to have the fireplace going during home showings, light it up! Even better, stage the area around your fireplace with cozy chairs, fuzzy blankets and hot chocolate mugs. A small table with a stack of good books, a pretty coffee mug, and a pine-scented candle can do the trick, too.

Let in some holiday magic

It’s the holidays, so why hide it? Just don’t go overboard. Tasteful, small holiday touches around the house such as mulled cider simmering in a crockpot, holiday scented candles, gingerbread cookies baking, and twinkling lights can help potential buyers feel the magic of the season. Greenery can be used to accentuate special or unique features in your home. A carefully placed string of lights could help your buyer to see something they may have overlooked, such as a beautiful entryway arch.

You can still have a Christmas tree, just make sure the tree isn’t too distracting. Make sure the size of the tree is correct for the room and doesn’t take up too much space. Decorations on the tree should be understated and simple, and not clash with the color scheme of the room. You still want the house to be the focal point, not the ornaments.  

Don’t forget the outside

Here in Alaska, night comes early, so nighttime curb appeal is definitely a consideration. Make sure all your year-round light fixtures are clean and working properly. Add holiday lights in a way that accentuates the lines of your home and creates an attractive entrance.

If you’re the type who loves to go all out when it comes to holiday décor, selling your home during the holidays might be a blessing in disguise as a great reason for taking a breather from all the chaos and focusing on what means the most to you this season.