Langley Real Estate

Vacation time and slower work schedules create an ideal time for open houses. However, as homes fill up with presents, decorations and visitors, sellers have to strike a balance between cozy and crammed.

If you’re listing your home over the holidays, keeping the property tidy doesn't mean you can't celebrate the season in style, but remember that buyers are looking for just the right amount of sparkle.

"Potential buyers expect that there may be some decorations, but they are trying to envision how they would spend their day-to-day lives in the home," says Phil Soper, president and chief executive, Royal LePage Real Estate Services. "Keeping the holiday decorations to the right level will be easier if you remember the goal is to bring out the home's structural charm."

Potential buyers can be put off by a home that has too many personal items. So while trying to manage the Christmas clutter, you should also remove items that remind buyers that the home belongs to someone else. Royal LePage has compiled this top 10 list of things to avoid when selling your home during the holiday season.

1. Too many lights: A home will dazzle more if lights are kept to a tasteful minimum. Opt for white lights instead of multi-coloured flashing bulbs, to provide a more neutral glow to a home.

2. Forgetting to clear the snow:Snow can look beautiful on trees, but driveways and walkways should be cleared as soon as the flakes fall. Buyers should be able to move freely during an open house, so it's important to remember all the outdoor paths and patios around your home.

3. No life outdoors: Give buyers a chance to imagine the potential in your landscape. Frost-resistant plants like flowering kale or miniature trees allow sellers to liven up walkways even in the dead of winter.

4. Not cozy: Everyone appreciates a warm, cozy home – especially when it’s cold outside. Set the thermostat at a warm temperature for the whole day; if necessary, override the low temperature pre-sets that some thermostats have as daytime settings. When the home is attended, fireplaces and candles could also be lit to create a comfortable environment throughout the day.

5. Nothing to engage the senses: Simmering a pot of cider with cinnamon during open houses or showings will create a warm and festive feeling.

6. Lingering odours: Be aware of those holiday dishes that may leave a strong odour. If possible, wait until showings are completed before cooking those traditional favourites.

7. Hiding a home's seasonal best: Photos of the home's back and front yards, gardens and patios in spring and summer will show potential buyers what the house looks like when it is not buried under snow and when the leaves are still on trees.

8. Letting the tree take over: A smaller Christmas tree, with minimal decorations, will create the appearance of more space. A huge tree, on the other hand, will make the room look smaller, and busy decorations can intensify clutter.

9. Presents should not be present: For a tidier look, hide the wrapped presents and keep them out of sight.

10. Too many decorations: When selling a home during the holidays, less is always more. Whimsical ornaments can be great accents, but it’s easy to go overboard. When it doubt, remove it!

- Courtesy of Royal LePage