| To decorate or not to decorate...it can be a real | | | | because it's cold out. They may be the only bright |
| dilemma for home sellers. | | | | spot in an otherwise bleak landscape. |
| Your real estate agent has probably told you to | | | | Don't go crazy with outdoor decorations. Give |
| make your house as neutral as possible so it will | | | | your rooftop Santa and reindeer a year off and |
| appeal to the greatest number of potential | | | | settle for some simple white lights (non-blinking, |
| buyers. On the other hand, you want to make | | | | please!) on the bushes or a tree. Leave the icicle |
| your home feel as warm and inviting as possible | | | | lights in storage. |
| so that buyers can picture themselves living there. | | | | Do have a Christmas tree if your family |
| With those two things in mind, here are some dos | | | | celebrates Christmas and you have young children |
| and don'ts for keeping your house show ready | | | | in the house. But you may want to lighten up on |
| during the holidays: | | | | Sally and Tommy's handmade decorations this |
| Do decorate, but think seasonal vs. holiday. | | | | year and stick with more generic ornaments. |
| Seasonal wreaths, garlands and greenery will | | | | Take the tree down the day after Christmas. |
| make your house feel festive and inviting, without | | | | Don't put presents under the tree as that will |
| being too reflective of your personal taste. Red | | | | make the space look smaller and feel cluttered. |
| poinsettias in baskets also add a nice punch of | | | | Do put several indoor lights on timers to go on as |
| color and can liven up a room during dreary | | | | soon as it gets dark (especially in the front rooms |
| winter months. Just make sure to throw them | | | | of the house). The house will give off a warm |
| out when they start to get leggy and lose their | | | | glow and provide added curb appeal to buyers |
| leaves. Dying plants are a big no-no. | | | | who drive by in the evening. And make sure the |
| Don't display religious items like nativity scenes, | | | | porch or entry lights are working and turned on |
| menorahs, etc. These can be a turn off to buyers | | | | when the sun goes down. |
| who do not share your family's faith traditions. | | | | Don't have your marketing photos taken when |
| Do keep pots or planters outside the front entry | | | | holiday decorations are up. If your house lingers |
| updated with seasonal plants: mums in fall, | | | | on the market into the spring you don't want to |
| evergreens in winter, and pansies in early spring. | | | | have to retake the photos. |
| Don't leave them empty and forgotten just | | | | |