Open houses tend to be few and far between during the holiday season, particularly when Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on Sundays. But homeowners planning to put their property on the market may want to use some vacation days or long winter nights to prepare their homes for potential buyers. Here are a few tips from local realtors for homeowners looking to list in 2017.
“Creating curb appeal can be really difficult, especially in the wintertime,” says Lynn Andel, an agent with Laura McCarthy Real Estate. “But you’ve really got to get that front porch and front door looking good, no matter what the season.”
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Photo courtesy of Laura McCarthy Real Estate
This home, listed by Andel at Laura McCarthy Real Estate, features a bright, neutral interior and lush landscaping that’s also been photographed at twilight. 359 Bach, Kirkwood.
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Photo courtesy of Laura McCarthy Real Estate
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Photo courtesy of Laura McCarthy Real Estate
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Photo courtesy of Laura McCarthy Real Estate
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Photo courtesy of Laura McCarthy Real Estate
If your home has attractive exterior lighting, she suggests trying some nighttime shots, which tend to downplay the lack of foliage.
If possible, or if you plan to list later in the year, consider putting in some new plants and mulch, said Angie Daniels, an agent with Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors, who also suggests focusing on the front.
“The first impression is very important,” Daniels says.
No matter when you plan to put your home on the market, cull as much clutter as possible. Remove some furniture to make the house look larger. Put away off-season items and stash shoes in odor-proof tubs, resisting the urge to overwhelm potential buyers with cloying candles or air fresheners.
“Whatever season it is, only have that season's clothing in your closets,” Daniels says. “The more available space in your closets, the better.”
Once your real estate agent starts showing the house, organize drawers, closets, and cabinets, since potential buyers will be opening doors to check out available storage space. Make beds and wipe down countertops and sinks to be prepared for unexpected showings. And stash everyday items like coffeemakers, particularly for pictures.
Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors
Fresh landscaping, neutral paint, and uncluttered areas help this 752-square-foot home listed by Daniels at Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors seem more spacious. 500 Cass, Edwardsville.
“Remove all items from the front and tops of refrigerator and countertops in kitchen,” Daniels says. “Photos will look very congested and busy with many items displayed in the kitchen. Less is more.”
The same goes for bedrooms and bathrooms, says Andel, who recommends buying a fresh set of bed linens and bath towels. Add small touches, like a pretty set of coordinated hand soaps, to create the feel of an inviting hotel room or spa.
“You can give your house a fresh look with those little touches.”
And don’t be afraid to repaint. Touch up white walls and baseboards and eliminate any color schemes that might be a turnoff. Even if a potential buyer doesn’t favor white, beige, or a stylish gray, neutral tones tend to make rooms look clean and spacious.
“A fresh coat of paint does a world of good in any house,” Andel says. “It just makes it fresh and new.”
Likewise, ditch dated window treatments, opting for basic coverings that maximize light. Have carpets cleaned and replace any stained areas, and showcase hardwood floors, especially if they are in good shape. Consider asking your agent, a home stager, or even a knowledgeable friend for suggestions; fix small annoyances you may have been blind to for years, says Daniels.
“Repair any items in need of repair before it hits the market—leaky faucets, non-working outlets, non-working garbage disposals, noisy ceiling fans, batteries in smoke detectors, et cetera,” she adds.
Most importantly, treat your home to a deep cleaning and consider paying a professional if you’re not up for the task, says Andel. Buyers may be comparing your home to new construction, and it should be just as clean—or even more spotless.
“There is nothing, nothing more important than a clean house,” says Andel. “If you have a clean house, where everything is polished and working well...then you can sell it."
