Should you decorate your home for the holidays when it’s for sale?

Often people ask me if they should decorate their home for the holidays when it’s for sale?

I say yes, but with some restrictions

• SAFETY FIRST!  Keep in mind that people will be walking through your home and may not be paying too much attention to where they are walking…keep tree skirts free from tripping areas and make sure that all lights and electrical decorations are safe and properly installed
• KEEP IT SIMPLE!  Don’t do too much decorating.  Keep it simple with major focal points only.
• DON’T USE YOUR PRECIOUS ITEMS!  That really valuable museum quality tree ornament?  It might want to stay boxed up.
• GIFTS – not yet!  You might want to keep from putting all of the gifts out on display; just like putting away precious jewelry and trinkets…don’t display your gift items while others are walking through your home.
• STAGE APPROPRIATELY!  Remember, your home is still on display and if you have photos done after you are decorated, photos can accentuate clutter.  Keeping it simple, keeps it pretty!
• OUTDOOR DECOR – keeping it safe!   Yes, remember again to keep the outdoor decor simple and safe.  No dragging extension cords, no hanging wreaths that can come off the door when opened.
• DON’T BURN CANDLES WHEN YOU AREN’T HOME!  Enough said about that.

Keep your home in tip top shape always, and especially during the holidays.  Dress it up but make sure it is flattering to all, and to all – Happy Holidays!