If you are trying to sell a Saint Augustine house during the winter months, you might want to incorporate a few festive touches into your open house. We have put together some creative holiday-themed open house ideas to help you sell your Saint Augustine house fast!
Many people wait to list their houses until after the holiday season. However, when done correctly, it can actually be a great time to sell your Saint Augustine house! Many people are looking to buy before year-end or relocate during winter break. Reaching these people is key to selling! And by offering a warm and welcoming open house, your property will stand out to these prospective buyers!
As with any open house or home showing, it is important to engage the prospective buyer’s senses. The holiday season is a wonderful time to incorporate elements that will do just that!
How to Host a Holiday-Themed Open House in Saint Augustine
Think Warm and Cozy
Your house should feel warm and welcoming. No matter the climate in which you’re selling, a house’s interior can embrace the coziness of the season. Stage the house to include warm blankets, fluffy pillows, and items that will make your prospective buyer want to curl up with cocoa and a good book. If you have a fireplace, now is the time to light it. Electric fireplaces can also give a comfy vibe and can be used without the heat in warm climates.
Really Think About The Lighting
Sometimes the natural light isn’t enough. Your house should be well-lit but not so well-lit that you feel like you are at the doctor’s office. Keep lighting soft and warm. Try out different lighting options, and you will see what a difference your lighting choices can make.
Incorporate Seasonal Smells
There aren’t many people who dislike the scent of freshly baked cookies or bread. Vanilla and pine are also popular and universally liked choices. You can use oils or candles to add a light scent to the air. No matter how you choose to incorporate smell, keep it very mild. Some people are more sensitive to scents, and you don’t want your efforts to be offputting.
Offer Comfort Food
There are delicious snacks you can serve that will conjure up warm holiday memories. (Or just be delicious.) Get creative and offer pumpkin pie bites, gourmet cookies, or biscotti. Keep food light, and don’t serve anything that will be too messy. As far as refreshments, you can serve apple cider and cocoa, or maybe, it’s finally time to purchase that fancy coffee machine.
Sounds
Be careful playing the Holiday Hits on repeat. While some people absolutely love Christmas music, others avoid it at all costs. Keep things low-key. Instrumental versions are nice or have light classical music playing in the background. It should never be played loudly. It should be almost unnoticeable.
Depersonalize The Decorations
Decorate with minimal seasonal items. Think of classic looks you might find gracing the pages of catalog ads. Traditional, wintery, and clean. When you have people viewing your house, take down personal items such as stockings with names, decorations made by the kids, and the “Baby’s First Christmas” ornament. Religious items shouldn’t be too overpowering, you want to create a warm and welcoming environment for as many people as possible, and you will want them to feel as if they are in their own homes. You can always put your personal items back after the showing.
Hold Off On a Tree
A traditional tree can be large and cumbersome. Usually, furniture is moved around and rearranged, making spaces look cluttered and not as welcoming. Unless you have a wide-open room with plenty of EXTRA space for a tree, you might want to consider a small, tabletop version instead.