By Jade Goodhue
Selling your home in the Geneva Lakes area during the holiday season can be tricky! The days are shorter, people are busy, and many buyers aren’t looking to make big moves. But if you’re in a spot where you need to sell now, don’t worry! With the right approach, you can still make your home stand out and attract serious buyers.
1. Price it Right from the Start
Holiday buyers are often serious, but they’re also looking for deals. How you price your home during the holiday season is much different than how you price it during the spring, summer, or fall. More so if you are on a timetable or need to buy another home. Set a fair price upfront to get more attention so it sells faster, and to avoid scaring away potential buyers who may be considering other holiday purchases. Give us a call so we can help you with this.
2. First Impressions Matter
Make sure your home shines from the outside! Simple, festive decorations can make your home feel inviting without being too much. Use holiday lights and a fresh, clean look to catch the eye of passersby. This means taking the time to do a cleanout or hire someone to do a fall cleanup. We use and recommend Zach at RBK Outdoor Solutions! He services the Geneva Lakes area and the surrounding counties.
Once that’s done reach out to Jamie at Lake Geneva Outdoors. Especially in the Geneva Lakes area, custom luxury outdoor spaces are a game-changer when selling. Features like pergolas, lakeside fire pits, or outdoor screening will captivate buyers by showcasing the outdoor, vacation lifestyle they desire, making your home unforgettable in a competitive market. If you’re not standing out, you’re sitting out.
3. Create a Cozy, Inviting Atmosphere
Make buyers feel at home! Keep it warm and welcoming. The goal is to help buyers imagine their own family making a home in your space. Take time to declutter. This is a great time to drop off some donations with Sherry at Circle of Friends Thrift in Elkhorn or consign some of your nicer items at Geneva Upscale Consignment in downtown Lake Geneva with Kim.
Dust, dirt, clutter, or cobwebs can make a room feel dated, so do a deep cleaning to give rooms a cleaner, fresher vibe. Don’t have time? We love working with Matt at TLC Cleaning Solutions based in Elkhorn, WI!
4. Highlight Winter-Friendly Features
Do you have a cozy fireplace, efficient heating, or great insulation? Make sure buyers know! These features can make your home extra appealing in colder months. If you haven’t had a chance to service your chimney or get it inspected, get proactive and give Pratt’s Chimney a call. They’re a veteran-owned business right here in Wisconsin out of Salem.
5. Tackle Low-Cost, High-Impact Repairs and Cosmetic Items
Small, affordable updates can make a big difference to buyers.
- Touch-ups or a fresh coat of paint in neutral colors can make your home feel clean, fresh, inviting, and better cared for.
- Refresh Wood Trim and Molding: This will help it stand out because often, baseboards and trim get scuffed over time.
- Install Soft-Close Hinges on Cabinets: Buyers love the gentle close of cabinets in kitchen and bathroom cabinets which can make your home feel more upscale. Or simply swapping out old knobs and handles can give kitchens and bathrooms an instant, stylish update.
- Speaking of Swap outs
- Replace Door Handles with more stylish ones (e.g., matte black, brushed nickel) to make doors feel more solid and modern.
- Swap Out Light Switch Covers and Outlet Plates: This is a small detail, but new, clean switch plates (especially in a brushed nickel or modern white) give rooms a finished look.
- Add Modern House Numbers: Bold or minimalist numbers on the front porch or entryway catch the eye, add style, and can upgrade the exterior look instantly.
- Fix Any Loose or Worn Parts including tightening screws, replacing worn caulk, and fixing squeaky doors.
- Think you have a job that is a bit bigger than you can tackle? Contact Alex at Architekton. He’s our go-to handyman and home remodeler and he’s right here in Lake Geneva!
6. Be Flexible with Showings
During the holidays, buyers might have tight schedules. Try to be open to showings, even on short notice. The more available your home is to view, the better your chances of finding a buyer. It’s an inconvenience, but it’ll pass and we’ll get through it.
7. Give Us a CALL 🤙📲📞
It’s the sum of all the little things that make your home feel well-maintained. Not sure where to start? We can help. We know how to market your home, negotiate effectively, and attract the right buyers, even during the off-season. So give us a call.
Reach out to Jade:
Call: 262-261-1433
Email: Jade@LegendaryRealEstateServices.com
Book a call: Schedule a Call
