When selling your home, curb appeal plays a big role in drawing in potential buyers. For many, holiday decorations are a chance to make the exterior feel warm and inviting, but if you’re in the process of selling, you’ll want to consider the pros and cons before decking the halls. Here, we’ll break down how holiday decorations can impact home sales and what you should keep in mind.
The Benefits of Outdoor Holiday Decorations
Creates a Warm, Welcoming First Impression
Decorating can make your home appear cozy and inviting, especially during the holiday season. With potential buyers visiting, a few tasteful decorations can help them picture themselves celebrating holidays in the home, creating an emotional connection. For buyers who love the holidays, this small touch can add appeal.
Helps Your Home Stand Out
In neighborhoods where many people decorate for the holidays, joining in can make your home blend well with the community. Thoughtful, tasteful decorations can help your home catch the eye, especially if buyers are driving around neighborhoods before reaching out to agents.
Adds Light and Brightness
The winter months bring shorter days, and many showings happen in the evening. Adding outdoor lights can improve visibility and make your property shine, literally. A well-lit exterior gives off a safe, cheerful feel, which can help make a strong first impression.
The Downsides of Outdoor Holiday Decorations
Risk of Overdoing It
One of the biggest pitfalls of holiday decorating is going overboard. Too many decorations can crowd a space, making your home feel smaller and potentially obscuring architectural features you want buyers to see. When in doubt, stick to a minimalistic approach that enhances your home’s best features instead of hiding them.
Can Distract Buyers
Bright or unique decorations may draw attention, but sometimes they can also distract buyers from actually seeing the home. Inflatable decorations, animated displays, or flashing lights may take attention away from the home’s structure, lawn, and entryway. Remember, you want buyers focused on your home, not just your holiday setup.
Potential Safety Hazards
Some outdoor decorations, like strings of lights, inflatable displays, or extension cords, can pose a safety risk. The last thing you want is for a potential buyer to trip or for something to short-circuit. Stick to decorations that won’t interfere with pathways or create unnecessary risks, and always ensure they’re installed safely.
Tips for Decorating While Selling Your Home
If you decide to decorate for the holidays while selling, consider these tips to strike a balance:
Keep It Simple and Neutral
Instead of elaborate decorations, choose simple items that align with the season without overwhelming your exterior. Think white lights, a classic wreath, or a few tasteful garlands. Reducing religious-specific decorations can also help appeal to more buyers.
Prioritize Safety
Place lights and other décor in areas that don’t obstruct pathways or create potential tripping hazards. Check that all outdoor lights are securely fastened and won’t fall if there’s wind or rain.
Highlight, Don’t Hide, Your Home’s Features
Instead of covering windows or crowding the porch, think about what decorations can complement your home’s architecture. For example, framing windows with lights or adding a few potted poinsettias to the steps can look beautiful without taking over.
When to Avoid Decorating Altogether
Sometimes, it might make sense to skip the holiday décor. If you’re listing your home right before a major holiday or you expect a lot of showings, an undecorated exterior can feel cleaner and more professional. Similarly, if your neighborhood doesn’t have much holiday decoration, you may want to keep a low profile to avoid standing out in a way that feels forced.
