Selling this winter? How to stage your home during the holidays

We've all heard about the benefits of staging or at the very least de-cluttering and simplifying your home when it's for sale - this allows potential buyers to connect with your home without distractions and to envision themselves (and their stuff) living there. If your home is for sale over the holiday season, this issue becomes a little more complicated. We all have traditions and special decorations that we and/or our children become attached to, and it can be hard to figure out where to draw the line! Here to help us navigate this touchy topic is my friend and staging expert Lisa Shipley, owner of Imagine Home Staging and Design. Below is her expert advice to help ensure buyers can emotionally connect with your home even during the holidays.

1. First and foremost, make sure your home is clean and de-cluttered. Adding extra decor to an already cluttered home is a big mistake - buyers will only see your "stuff" and not the features of the home.

2. If you are putting up a tree, make sure there is ample space for buyers to walk around it to view the home. When in doubt, go with a smaller or thinner tree rather than a large full tree. Keep ornaments simple - try to stay with one or two colors that enhance the decor of your home, don't overload the tree with every ornament in your collection. Just a few neatly wrapped presents under the tree will keep it simple and festive.

3. Keep decorations non-denominational as much as possible in order to not put off potential buyers.

4. Make sure the "focus selling points" (such as the big beautiful bay window or that great fireplace mantel) are still visible and not hidden by decor. A simple natural garland hung on the fireplace or stairway banister is stunning and will add a nice fragrance.

5. Keep your yard tidy and provide ample light. A holiday wreath on the front door or a simple menorah in the window is enough. Keep the over-the-top inflatable Santas and reindeer in storage for now. Too much lawn decor will detract from the features of your home. Adding a simple white strand of lights to your home will attract extra focus to the home's architecture and will add some extra (much needed) light at this time of year.

6. When in doubt, stick with seasonal decor rather than holiday decor. Portlanders love nature - pinecones on the table with candles, fresh wreaths or garlands. These are simple, classic seasonal touches that will not detract from the home's features. Add some cozy throw blankets and pillows for accent colors, and don't forget some freshly chopped wood stacked in the fireplace. You will have all of your buyers envisioning how they will spend future holidays in their new space!

Thank you so much, Lisa! Check out Lisa's fabulous website and blog here.

Always remember, I am here for you! If you have questions or need help with anything, I am just a phone call, text, or email away.

- Tiffanie ❤❤❤