The most wonderful time of the year is right around the corner, and that means it’s time for holiday movies, hot cocoa, and of course decking the halls with boughs of holly! One of the best parts about the holiday season is the tradition of decorating your home. However, if you’re planning to list your house on the market this holiday season, you’re probably wondering how to tastefully decorate your house for the holidays without turning away buyers. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to make your space look cozy and inviting for the holidays and still attract potential buyers! We have some tips below to make your home festive while still keeping it ready to sell.
Tip #1: Keep your Decor Minimal
The first rule of staging to sell your home is to clear out clutter by de-personalizing the home and removing unnecessary decor and furniture. This still stands even when you still want to deck the halls. You must be choosy when decorating for whichever holiday you celebrate and just this year while you’re on the market omit pictures of past celebrations, tuck away all the reindeer toys in a covered bin during showings, and definitely try to adhere to a neutral color palette without adding clutter.
Tip #2: Coordinate the Colors
Do you prefer a classic silver and gold theme for holiday decor, or vibrant reds and greens? Whichever colors you choose, try to coordinate them throughout your home. It can be easy to get carried away with holiday decorating, as there are so many different directions you can go. Choosing a color scheme that coordinates with the existing colors in your space before you start decorating can help to keep it tasteful. Perhaps you’ll go with a metallics theme incorporating golds and silvers for a bright, festive flair. Alternatively, whites offer a peaceful, neutral theme that still looks appropriate for the holiday season and doesn’t overwhelm potential buyers.
Tip #3: Showcase Your Home’s Best Features
You can even use holiday decorations to your advantage to draw attention to some of your home’s best architectural features. For example, if you have a beautiful staircase, consider wrapping it with elegant garlands and accents. If you’re lucky enough to have a cozy fireplace, be sure to hang stockings by the chimney with care. You can also use string lights to make your home look more inviting as lighting is always recommended when on the market. Try to stick to white lights, especially outside that aren’t animated to make the home appear bright and welcoming.
Tip #4: Maintain your Home’s Flow
Your home should remain spacious and easy to move through so buyers can really envision themselves living there. Avoid placing large decorations, like oversized Christmas trees, that could make rooms feel smaller. Also, be sure to keep all walkways and entryways as clear as possible. Doing so also makes your home safer. The last thing you want is for a prospective buyer to trip over your holiday setup – it could potentially leave a negative impression on the experience and the home.
Tip #5: Create a Joyful Mood in Your Home
Let’s not forget that the holiday season is all about spreading joy! Sparking a happy and inviting energy in your home with holiday decorations will resonate with potential buyers. Make your home smell like the holidays with DIY potpourri, and cozy candles, or bring nature inside with some seasonal greens or fresh-chopped firewood. Festive throw pillows, blankets, and dim holiday lights will all help create a cozy ambiance in your space. When done tastefully, holiday decor will help to give your home character and comfort!
Tip #6: Use Exterior Decorations to Enhance the Curb Appeal
The exterior of your home is the first impression someone will have of your home, so it’s important to take advantage of this. Festive wreaths, thoughtfully lighted shrubs and trees, icicle lights, and minimalist lawn decorations are all enticing features for your home. Be cautious of using too many colors or moving parts, such as flickering lights or blow-up decorations, as it can be distracting to buyers or perceived as “tacky.” The next couple of months are notorious for snow so make sure that when the flakes fly, your walkways are shoveled and patios are cleared out. Choosing a few elegant holiday decorations will add a little charm to your home and give a warm welcome to potential buyers!
Tip #7: Wait to Decorate Until AFTER You Take Listing Photos
If your home is being photographed for a listing during the holidays, consider taking pictures before adding decorations to ensure the home appeals year-round. In the event that your home is still on the market after the holidays, the décor, although festive and beautiful, can sometimes date the photos or distract potential buyers from the home’s key features. Clean, neutral listing photos allow buyers to imagine their own style in the space. If buyers are easily able to picture your house as their home, you’re more likely to get an offer! Remember, the goal is to highlight your property, not your seasonal decor.
Tip #8: If Necessary, Reevaluate Your Hosting Plans
If you typically host annual holiday gatherings with friends or family, consider reevaluating just for this year. If you are looking to get as many showings as possible, it’s best to have a flexible schedule to allow buyers to see your house on short notice. Blocking off the time necessary to prep for your event could mean potentially missing out on potential buyers. If you still plan to host, be sure your decorations can be easily removed, and keep the home as neat and tidy as possible before and after your gathering.
Lamacchia Realty is Here to Guide You to a Successful Sale this Season!
The holiday season is the perfect time to make your home feel warm, inviting, and magical — and with the right approach, you can also make it irresistible to potential buyers. By keeping your decor minimal, coordinated, and focused on showcasing your home’s best features, you can find the perfect balance between festive and market-ready. Remember, selling your home during the holidays doesn’t have to be stressful, and you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re listing this holiday season or planning ahead, as an expert REALTOR® with Lamacchia Realty, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Contact me today to learn how I can help you achieve your selling goals and make this season truly wonderful!