Like many of us, putting up the Christmas tree is one of my favourite times of the year, and for me, wreaths, fairy lights and Christmas card displays are an integral part of getting in the Christmas spirit.
However, if your property is on the market, this is something you may have to go without this year!
Now, you might think I’m being a miserable, Christmas-hating Scrooge, but hear me out- if you’re wanting to sell, there are a few good and logical reasons why you should leave the decorations in the attic, at least until after your house has been photographed:
- If your house is still on the market in to the New Year, the photos will immediately look dated if they feature a Christmas tree or wreath. This can instantly make your property seem less desirable to buyers
- Keeping spaces as clean and clutter free for photographs is always a top tip when selling houses whatever the time of year (see our 'prepare your house for a viewing' guide here) , and Christmas is no exception: clutter instantly makes a room look smaller, and thus filling a property with Christmas decorations as well as every day clutter is bound to visually shrink the space even further.
- The key to potential buyers falling in love with a property is them being able to imagine themselves living there. Piles of clutter and decorations make it harder for a buyer to imagine living in your home, so make it easier for them by keeping spaces as open and empty as possible.
The good news is, Christmas doesn’t have to be completely cancelled for 2017 if you want to sell your home.
If want to have decorations up during house viewings, then keep them tasteful, minimal and sophisticated (TMS).
Too many decorations can be overwhelming and distracting- don't make the mistake of thinking buyers will "see past it" because this may not be the case. Your fake-snow-sprayed windows could be the deal breaker in the sale of the property due to blocking out natural light! Be sure not to block or cover up important selling features such as the mantel place, stairs and stained-glass windows.
To make sure you’re on the right page with what fits this criteria, we’ve pulled together a ‘tasteful, minimal and sophisticated Christmas decor’ test, based on the images above.
If you scored mostly B's, then CONGRATULATIONS- you have a good grasp on the dos and don’ts of Yuletide decs, and can be trusted to decorate your home after having your selling photographs taken.
If you scored mostly A's, then play it safe a KEEP THE DECS AWAY during property viewings.
Everyone at Your Move would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas- we hope you have a fantastic time, whatever your decor style.
Image sources:
https://unsplash.com/photos/cRfWUqkr0-s
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Christmas_lights_(1).jpg
https://pxhere.com/en/photo/671982
