The holiday season is here!
For many families, decorating their home for the holiday season is a time-honored tradition and provides some quality family time during a busy time of the year. Sellers with their home on the market during the holiday season often ask me if they should skip their holiday traditions and not decorate their home.
Actually, the opposite is true. Sellers should not skip decorating their home for the holiday. People expect at least some decorations this time of year, plus they add warmth to a home. However, home sellers should follow the “less is more” approach as to not hinder the sale.
Sellers should decorate with the following tips in mind:
- Do not overdo it. Too many decorations mask a home’s selling points -architectural details, condition, location and price. Just like we de-clutter a house upon listing it, we don’t want holiday decorations to detract from what we’re selling.
- Avoid too many personalized decorations. The goal is for buyers to visualize themselves celebrating the holidays in the home. A simple wreath on the front door and garland over the fireplace are two examples of tasteful holiday décor that will add warmth that does not appear too specific to the seller.
- Choose neutral colors. Choose an elegant, neutral palette of fresh greens, silvers, golds and classic whites. Avoid too much red and green.
- Take down decorations within two weeks after the holidays.