December is a good time to buy a house. Many sellers remove their listings to focus on families so the ones that remain are usually motivated. Other buyers are also taking some time off for traditions. Likewise, December can be a good time to sell a house. Buyers still shopping for homes over the holidays have serious interest in finding the right place and getting moved in.
Simple tricks like adding seasonal smells through air fresheners or an elegant wreath can make the place feel more like home but it won’t up your asking price. Snag their attention and the sale by keeping up on some quick fixes that will move your property to the top of their Christmas list.
Landscape – Don’t go crazy on Christmas decorations. If you can’t plant something at least make sure the lawn is mowed, the bushes are trimmed and there’s mulch in the gardens.
New mailbox – It’s what anyone arriving will see first. Has it been beaten with a baseball bat? Is it shaped like an animal, a car, a mermaid? Make sure it looks sharp and fresh.
Front door – If you see a red door and you want to paint it black, do it. At least touch up scuffs and dings. If necessary replace the door.
Back splash – Add a back splash in the kitchen for a clean modern appeal. The grout and tile option is most appealing to potential buyers but peel and stick tile or stainless steel sheets are less mess low cost options too.
Faucets – If the faucets are old, lose, or leaky go ahead and replace them. Hardware stores have low cost options that you can change out yourself.
Cabinets and Cupboards – Painting or replacing the doors can make a major difference in your asking price. Update the hardware as well to make your place a must have
Bathroom – If you do nothing else at least clean the bathroom. Scrub the gunk out of the grout, re caulk if necessary and replace the toilet seat. The closer it looks to a hotel bathroom the more comfortable house hunters will be when they consider making the throne their own.
Paint – Seriously it sounds so simple but paint the walls. Don’t go overboard on extreme colors. Freshening up the neutrals already there is fine. By covering scuffs and marks it gives the room a clean feel and the new paint smell is enticing.
Light fixtures – Is there a glowing orb surrounded by a basket suspended by a chain over the breakfast table? It’s time to update the light fixtures. Don’t let buyers get trapped into thinking the place is dated. Check furniture consignment shops and closeout stores for inexpensive solutions to seventy’s style illumination.
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By Heather Fairchild - Heather is a writer and blogger for Nexxt. She researches and writes about job search tactics, training, and topics.
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