D D ECO
R
ECEMBE R
ATING
By Liz Burrow
If you have your home on that market during the holiday season
here are a few tips when decorating. Th is time of the year can be
very special and helps to raise the moods of buyers so cash in by
making your house as inviting as possible, without overpowering
the senses when people step inside. Celebrate the season while still
allowing all of your home’s special attributes to shine through.
LIZ BURROW ®
301.788. 6067
LakeLinganore.Com
SELLING? BUYING? BUILDING?
LakeHomesByLiz@Comcast.net
Th ink carefully about what you want to enhance and what you
would like to play down. While Santas, elves, and reindeer bring
joy to the hearts of children, this year you need to direct your
decorating towards the audience who matters most: - the adults,
so keep it subtle and elegant.
• Street appeal - Resist the temptation to add anything to the
lawn (or roof), and be aware of what the decorations look
like during the daylight. Although they may be very pretty at
night, lots of wires can be unsightly during the day, when most
showings occur.
• Come on in – White Icicle lights along with a welcoming wreath
on the front door would be a safe option. Adding candle lights
to each window can also create an attractive picture should any
of your showings be aft er dark.
• Tree lights – go white instead of colored and static rather
than blinking. A simple theme of matching colors for your
ornaments, such as silver, glass or white will be elegant and
pleasing to the eye but if your home is more rustic or earthy,
colors such as golds, rich cranberries and greens display well.
• Size and space - Be mindful of the area that the tree will occupy
and ensure that it does not dwarf the room. You may need to
remove some furniture to facilitate this. Enhance your features
– Th is is a unique opportunity to direct attention towards the
great attributes of your home. Cleverly placed decorations and
artful lighting can draw the eye towards architectural details
or upgrades that at any other time of the year may be hard
highlight.
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• Do not touch – don’t place ornaments or decorations in a spot
that invites youngsters to touch. Parents distracted by having
to keep their little ones in check are not going to be giving your
home the attention they should.
• Th rill the senses - holiday aromas and sounds can help to add
ambiance, but be subtle. If the smells are too strong, buyers
may wonder what you’re hiding and if you play holiday music,
think orchestral and soft . A rousing rendition of ‘Grandma got
run over by a reindeer’ may not be the mood you are going for!
• Picture updates – If you home is not under contract by the end
of the holiday season, it is vital that your realtor update the
online pictures immediately. Nothing draws attention to ‘days
on the market’ like Holiday decorations in January!
While having showings during the holidays can be intrusive on special
family time, the feeling of goodwill that the season brings can certainly
work to in your favor. Take advantage and invite buyers to see your home
as their own.
*Resident realtors are welcome to submit real estate articles for print in this column. All
articles must be strictly informational and market oriented.
18 LakeTalk December 2017
Photo by Reinhard Hermes