Although the holiday season can be a hectic time to show and sell your house, there are distinct advantages to staging and showing your home at this time of year – you have a chance to show your home at its very best, adorned with warmth and cheer that’s sure to charm. Nothing is more inviting than a home brimming with greenery, twinkling lights and holiday decorations.

Inviting and Warm
First impressions are important. If you live in a snowy area, make sure walkways are cleared. Do you have late fall leaves littering the ground? Rake them up. Also, make sure the walks and stairs are free of ice.
A few exterior holiday lights or decorations show pride in ownership and seasonal cheer, but they don’t add anything during the day when potential home buyers will be looking at your home, so don’t overdo them. Another thing to consider: Would-be buyers may view it favorably if nearby homes are brimming with lights – it shows unity and neighborliness – so you’ll want to find a tasteful balance.

As you set out to win over holiday home buyers, here are a few other tips to keep in mind:

*  Trim outdoor trees so unexpected winds don’t knock down branches that could damage your home or hurt someone.
*  Place a holiday welcome mat outside the front door.
*  Keep the door area clear of bicycles, toys or parcels left by the mail carrier.
*  Hang a festive wreath on your door.
*  Play holiday music in the background.
*  Keep the house cozy. Entering a cold house could chill potential buyers’ enthusiasm.
*  Light a fire in the fireplace just before the agent shows your house. (But never leave a fire unattended.)
*  Keep decorations on the conservative side. You want your house to be noticed, not your decorations.
*  If your house is being viewed in the evening, tell your agent how to turn on the holiday lights. And be sure the agent turns the lights off, or you have a plan to be home immediately, following the showing.
*  Make sure your agent turns the home security system back on after showing your house, especially if you have gifts under the tree.
*  Be certain your windows are sparkling clean.
*  Let there be light. Open blinds and curtains and turn on interior lights to reduce the pervasive dreariness of winter months.
*  Bake holiday cookies and treats to fill the home with enticing aromas before the prospective buyers arrive.
*  Leave those holiday treats and hot chocolate for your guests.

Ultimately, you want to convey the love, comfort and joy your family has shared in the house so that buyers will be eager to move in and create their own holiday memories.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: http://www.realtor.com/advice/make-your-home-a-hot-commodity-this-winter/

By: Realtor.com Team