We’re nearing the end of the year. That means it’s holiday season. Typically, real estate transactions slow down at this time. If you have your home on the market, don’t be discouraged. Learn how to sell your Westfield home during the holidays with these helpful tips.

How to Sell Your Westfield Home During the Holidays

Holiday Decor

First off, yes, you can decorate. Just keep things tasteful. A holiday-themed wreath on the front door and some small fall or winter-themed decorations here and there inside are fine. At Christmas, go ahead and decorate your tree. Add a nice string of lights to frame your Westfield home. Simple decorations during the holidays help make a home feel inviting. Garish, over-the-top decor can make a potential buyer walk away. You may even want to consider hosting a holiday-themed open house. Add treats and a few games for the kids at Halloween. Put out a nice Thanksgiving buffet in November. Dress up as Santa and Mrs. Claus and then pose for pictures with the kids at Christmas time.

Keep Visitors Safe

The next tip to keep in mind when you sell your Westfield home during the holidays is safety. As leaves fall from the trees, they can create a slippery surface on the ground. They also make your yard feel messy. Clear up leaves as soon as possible. After the snow begins to fall, take care to clear it from walkways and driveways as well. This enables buyers to get to your front door safely and easily. Next, add bright lights to the exterior of your home. Finally, lay a mat down just inside the front door for buyers to wipe their feet on. Then, add a coat tree for them to hang their outerwear on while they look around your home.

Whole Home Check-Up

Now is a good time to make sure that your heater works. You don’t want to turn it on when you show your home only to learn that it isn’t working correctly. Do a walkthrough of your Westfield home from the perspective of a buyer. Touch up paint where needed. Oil squeaky hinges. Turn the faucets on in the kitchens and bathrooms. Check all light fixtures to make sure they work properly. Replace burned out bulbs where necessary. Also, replace any cracked or broken light fixtures, outlet covers or light switches. Buyers look at everything.

Take Photos…Day and Night

Another tip to help you sell your Westfield home during the holidays is to take lots of photos. Show off the changing colors of the leaves. Freshly fallen snow can transform any home into a picture-perfect winter postcard. Just make sure you shovel the walkway and driveway first. Don’t forget to take photos after dark as well. A brightly lit up home after nightfall provides a beautiful alternative view of your home to potential buyers.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes