Six Things to Add to Your Holiday Wish List For Your Home
The cold breeze, the nippy air, the crowd of shoppers, and the festive decorations everywhere are sure signs that the holidays are coming. This holiday conjures a lot of tradition, and one of these is making a wish list. Children are busy writing their lists of things they want to receive from their parents and old Saint Nick, but the fun doesn't have to stop at childhood!
In 2021, real estate prices rose significantly, so if you're thinking about selling, it's a good time to put your house or condo on the market (yes, even during the winter!). If your home could talk, what do you think it would want this holiday season to make it more enticing to potential buyers?
Here are some six things to add to your holiday wish list for your home:
1. A New Paint Job
If your home or condo has been in the same color palette for a few years, a new fresh look will spruce it up for the holiday season and beyond! And if you own a vacation rental, you KNOW what renters can do to a place. You can choose to repaint with your current color scheme. But if you want to be adventurous, you can select a new color palette and give your home/condo a contemporary vibe. Your imagination only limits the color combination. You can turn to the internet for inspiration, but be adventurous and don't be afraid to try something new.2. A Video Doorbell
Give your home some tech for the holidays with a video doorbell. A video doorbell gives you a mobile notification through motion detection when somebody is on your doorstep. It also shows you who is at your front door. They have crisp wide-angle videos so you can see who is at your door. Some also have microphones and speakers so you can greet your guests before you even open the door—no more surprises about who is at the door with this device!PRO TIP - These work great if you own a second home or vacation rental home/condo and live somewhere else.
3. New Windows
If your house feels drafty, you see some condensation in the window glass, or the windows look old and worn, giving your house new windows is a perfect thing to add to your holiday wish list.You can choose to replace your windows with the same style and design as your old ones. However, selecting a new design can give your house a new look. Keep in mind that if you want a new window design than what was previously installed, you'll have to consider things like the type of windows, the material, the kind of glass.
PRO-TIP - Be sure and check the windows on your place at the beach, too. It is quite common for the hermetic seals to be broken which can cause problems...especially if you are getting ready to sell (this is a common item on inspection reports).
4. A Deep Clean
Preparing your house during the holiday season need not be expensive. Sometimes all your house needs is a good, thorough cleaning. It can be as simple as unleashing your inner Marie Kondo and decluttering your house by getting rid of things you don't need.Then, you can start to vacuum and dust all the places you think need it. If you have carpets that have been worn over time, you can give them a good shampoo to restore them to their former glory. Of course, you can do this yourself, but if you want, you can also go the professional route and have someone come clean your house. If you're going to go the extra step, you can also update your cleaning supplies and tools in the house by getting a new vacuum or a steam mop.
PRO-TIP - Don't forget your second home or vacation rental either! These can need an annual deep-clean just like your primary home.
5. Solar Roof
If your house has been extra good to you and your family this year and you want to splurge, you can look into getting a beautiful (and energy efficient) solar roof for your home. A solar roof is composed of a series of solar panels, each one looking like a regular roof shingle. With a solar roof, the house makes its electricity and saves its occupants money from electric bills. It also boosts your home’s curb appeal and gives it that little extra oomph to make it stand out from all the other houses in the neighborhood.6. A New Sofa
If you've wanted to get a new sofa for a long time, this holiday is an excellent excuse to gift your house with one. There's nothing like a fresh, comfortable sofa to add to the home's appeal. With so many year-end sales going on, you'll be able to find a great deal! If you're thinking about selling your home, you'll, of course, be able to take your new sofa with you, and you may even be able to use it while staging your current home.And it is an excellent time of year to freshen up your beach place while things are a little less busy.
