NE TEXAS Real Estate News

For most, Feburary is about Valentine's Day. I see this month as the true start of the year for Paris. From winter home sales, to redecorating on the cheap, I've got great ideas for getting back into the swing of things and starting your year off right.

Sell Your Home in Winter

If you find yourself selling your home at the tail end of winter, the best way to make your Open House a success is to think about ways to make your home a cozy safe haven for potential buyers.

First, you want visitors to have a clear path to your home. This seems like a no-brainer, but with the stress of preparing for an Open House, it’s easy to overlook the simplest things. Make sure you keep snow and ice in check and have a safe walkway from the street through to your doorstep. If you have a deck or patio in your backyard, make sure there’s a clear and safe place to stand. (Last month, I talked about ways to remove snow and ice. Email me if you want a copy of that article.)

For maximum curb appeal, you’ll want to stage a winter garden. This doesn’t mean bringing the zest of summer into the still of winter, but you’ll want to place seasonally appropriate plants in weather-proof urns. Some ideas include ferns, shrubbery, and other evergreens. Doing this brings life and color to the outside of your home.

Setting your thermostat a couple of degrees warmer than usual inspires a cozy feeling. Reinforce this by using plush throws on your sofa, chairs and beds. If you have a fireplace, light it. Make your guests feel even more at home with baked goods available for them. Think about providing warm cookies, hot cocoa or coffee, and bottled water. Plus, these goodies give your home a pleasant smell that most people enjoy.

Last, avoid stress. I know first-hand that selling your home in an “off” season can feel discouraging, but it’s not impossible. Think of the positives: you’ll have less competition and have to keep up with less yardwork!

Remember, if you need a selling agent, SHERRY DICKSON TEAM / Harold Carter Realtors will give your listing the marketing boost it needs to sell quickly and for a great price. Contact me at sherrydicksonteam@gmail.com or call me at (903) 361-2733 for free information.

Upcoming Open Houses

Be sure to check out my upcoming open houses. Hope to see you there.

Valentine's Day Ideas

• Prepare your family’s favorites for dinner.
• Send Thank You cards to inspirational people in your life.
• Deliver home-baked cookies or a cake to your neighbors.
• Have your kids make and give Valentines to friends and family members.
• Put special notes in family members’ cars or lunches along with a favorite treat.
• Give your kids what they’ve always wanted – ice cream for breakfast!
• If you’re single, have a small get-together with friends.
• Not into Valentine’s Day? Get a like-minded group together and watch scary movies.