As the holiday season approaches, many homeowners find joy in adorning their living spaces with festive decorations. However, when it comes to selling your home, it's essential to consider the impact of seasonal decor!
I get asked all the time… “I am selling my home, can I still decorate for the holidays?”
I always recommend keeping the holiday decor packed away when selling your home.
Here are my top 4 reasons why...
1. ALL YEAR CHARM
While holiday decorations bring warmth and joy, they scream 'tis the season. A home with year-round appeal is more likely to attract a broad range of potential buyers. They need to see your home as a blank canvas ready for their touch, not just a Holiday card backdrop.
2. DATED LISTING PHOTOS
Online Appeal is the new Curb Appeal. Therefore it is so important to invest in professional photography since MLS photos are such a vital part of selling your home. Most potential buyers are searching online first (9 out of 10 in fact). This is why you must be sure to start with decluttering and deep cleaning to make your home shine. If you would like to make sure that your photos look amazing online, I suggest a detail-rich Buyer's Eyes Consultation and Staging prior to professional photos :).
Your homes' online presence is the first impression that attracts buyers to tour your property. With the changing market, there is a chance that it may take a few months to sell your home and you don’t want to have holiday specific decor in the photos. If you do, come February if potential buyers see holiday decor everywhere, they will instantly wonder what is wrong with the property… Why didn’t it sell in December?
3. CREATING A NEUTRAL CANVAS BROADENS MARKET APPEAL
One of the primary goals of home staging is to allow potential buyers to envision the property as their future home. It is important to provide a clean slate that allows them to visualize their own style and preferences in the space. You want them to be able to envision the lifestyle they could lead here. A neutral and well-staged home appeals to a broader audience, increasing the likelihood of connecting with a diverse range of buyers. It broadens market appeal. Holiday decor is the same as family specific decor (family photos, religious, sports artifacts….etc). Leaving Christmas decorations up can create a personalized and potentially distracting atmosphere. More appeal means more potential buyers, which is a win for everyone involved.
4. MINIMIZING DISTRACTIONS
Elaborate holiday displays can divert attention away from the home's features. A well-staged property highlights its architecture, layout, and unique selling points. Minimizing distractions ensures that buyers focus on the property's best qualities rather than the temporary, personalized decor choices. Also, pretty or festive decor can make a space feel cluttered and lead to rooms feeling smaller. For instance; many people tend to change things up in their home to accommodate holiday decor… you may move the furniture around in a particular room to accommodate a Christmas tree. This may make the room appear smaller and potential buyers may have a hard time really seeing how large the space is. So, let's keep distractions to a minimum, making sure buyers are admiring your stunning fireplace, not your dancing Santa.
In conclusion, here are my recommendations
When preparing your home for sale, keep in mind the impact that seasonal decor can have on potential buyers.
By taking on a neutral and well-staged approach, you create a space that not only captivates but also allows buyers to see themselves living happily in their new home.
You wonder how you can make this happen while living in the home during the holiday season?
Here are a few tips:
If you can't resist adding a touch of holiday spirit, consider subtle and tasteful decor...think Winter Vibes.
Introduce neutral color schemes, elegant lighting, and minimalistic accents. The key is to strike a balance between creating a warm, inviting atmosphere and maintaining a universally appealing aesthetic.
Opt for plush textures with knit and/or winter white blankets, faux fur rugs, and velvet cushions to add warmth and comfort to your space (Pillowcases are a great option here). Layering different textures adds depth and visual interest.
Use evergreen branches and wreaths for a classic winter look. These don't have to be holiday-specific and can evoke a woodland winter aesthetic.
Consider lanterns and candle holders in metallic finishes for a touch of elegance and sparkle.
Here is a selection of some of my go-to's for just those Winter Vibes.... Take a look!
It is completely understandable that it is tricky to keep your holiday decor under wraps this season while prepping your place for sale. However; once you accept an offer on your home, toning down the holiday glam will be completely worth it!
Cheers to a successful home-selling journey and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Warm Regards, Rita
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