Should I Decorate My Home for the Holidays?

Normally, around this time of year the housing market naturally slows down as we approach the holidays. This year things are looking a little different. Compared to the same time last year, Realtor.com? reports are showing that the housing market is staying active throughout the season.

Listing your home during the holidays can bring about additional difficult decisions, like how much, if at all, should you personalize or decorate your home? Our rule of thumb for clients who list their homes at any point in the year is to strive to be as inclusive as possible. This means depersonalize as much as possible so buyers can envision their own lives in your space. This poses an additional challenge during the holiday season when you want to add a festive touch. 

As the Director of Residential Sales & Leasing at Senné, I’ve worked with many clients over the years who have listed their homes during the holiday season. It was a pleasure to share some of my holiday decorating tips with Boston.com, and I hope these additional insights are just as helpful!

The Residential Team at Senné, places a high value on quality and taste—as do our clients. For that reason, we always recommend that clients who are selling homes during the holidays keep these ideas top-of-mind when decorating. Real estate is a personal, human industry, and we love that our clients want to add some holiday touches to their home even if it is on the market. 

While removing personal decor when you’re showing your home is standard practice, a bit of cheerful seasonal decor can create a warm welcome for your buyers and allows you to keep up your holiday spirit. Generally speaking, we recommend a “less is more” approach. Decorate your space so that anyone who enters feels at home, and not overwhelmed. If you have any questions about how much decor is too much, always turn to your trusted real estate associate who can give you an expert perspective. 

Opting for neutral tones rather than traditional holiday-specific colors can be an easy way to achieve an inclusive space. Warm lighting and natural, winter-themed decorations like pine cones, white candles, wreaths, and garlands will appeal to everyone. 

For some potential buyers, over-the-top holiday decor could prevent them from imagining themselves celebrating with their own family traditions. Our Senné Associates will always advise clients to err on the side of restraint, and to be respectful and inclusive of all buyers at any time of year.

While these decor touches might not make or break your home sale, it certainly can leave a lasting impression on buyers. When listing your home it’s important to always put your best foot forward. When you work with a Senné Associate, you’ll have guidance during every step of your real estate journey. From selecting decor pieces to custom marketing for your listing, we’ll get you set up for success. To get the most value out of your home sale, get started today by emailing [email protected] or giving us a call at 617.314.9400.