Selling your home during the holidays doesn’t mean skipping the season’s cheer. But to keep it “show-ready,” a bit of planning goes a long way. Here’s how you can balance festive decor with making a great impression on buyers.
Simplify Your Decor
When decorating, keep it to a few tasteful pieces. A fully decorated home can look cluttered, making rooms feel smaller or hiding the best features. A wreath, a modest tree, or a few strings of lights can create a warm holiday feel. Stick to neutral colors like silver, white, or gold for a festive look that doesn’t overwhelm.
Keep Walkways Clear and Rooms Spacious
Potential buyers want to move through your home with ease. Clear any extra decor from walkways and remove oversized decorations that might make rooms feel tight. Winter can mean more coats and boots around, so keep entryways and mudrooms free of clutter to maintain a tidy look.
Use Subtle Scents
Holiday scents like cinnamon or pine are appealing, but overpowering scents can be distracting. Choose lightly-scented candles or diffusers that add a warm touch without overwhelming. This keeps your home inviting without drawing focus away from the space itself.
Maximize Natural and Warm Lighting
With shorter days, lighting becomes key to making rooms feel bright and welcoming. Use floor or table lamps to brighten darker areas, and open blinds during the day to let in as much natural light as possible. Warm lighting helps create a cozy feel buyers will appreciate.
Make Safety a Priority
Decorations often mean extra cords or even open flames. Keep cords tucked away and avoid using real candles in high-traffic areas. Battery-powered candles are a safe alternative for adding ambiance without any fire hazard.
Be Prepared for Last-Minute Showings
Holiday gatherings can make showings tricky to schedule, but staying ready to show your home is important. Keep decor organized and be prepared to quickly tidy up if a last-minute showing request comes in. If you’re hosting guests, have a quick plan for stowing personal items or decorations out of sight when needed.
Keep the Exterior Tidy
Snow and ice are a given in winter, so make sure driveways, sidewalks, and walkways to your home are clear. First impressions matter, and a well-cleared path makes a welcoming entryway. Shovel regularly, spread salt if needed, and clear away any seasonal debris.
These steps allow you to enjoy the season while keeping your home appealing to buyers. With a few small adjustments, you can celebrate without compromising your home’s best features.
