The Holiday Home-Selling Dilemma: To Decorate or Not to Decorate?

If you’re planning to sell your home during the holiday season, you may find yourself wondering: should you still decorate? After all, Thanksgiving and Christmas are a time for warmth and celebration. But when your home is on the market, finding the right balance between festive and market-ready is key.

For listing photos, skip the seasonal décor.
Your listing photos are often a buyer’s first impression of your home, and those images can remain online for months. Keeping them free of holiday décor helps your home appear timeless and appealing no matter when buyers view it. A Christmas tree in the corner or pumpkins on the porch can quickly date your photos. If your home is still on the market after the holidays, those decorations might hint to buyers that it has been listed for a while.

Instead, aim for a clean, neutral look when your professional photos are taken. Let your home’s best features shine through, such as natural light, open spaces, and thoughtful design, without any seasonal distractions. Once your photos are complete, you can add small touches of holiday charm for your daily life and upcoming showings.

For showings and open houses, tasteful décor can help.
When buyers tour homes in person during the holidays, a few subtle decorations can help them connect emotionally to your space. The goal is to create a feeling of warmth, not clutter. A simple wreath on the door, a bowl of pinecones, or a softly lit tree can make your home feel inviting without taking away from its features.

Stick to neutral colors and natural elements that appeal to a wide range of buyers. Avoid decorations that are overly personal or take up too much space. In smaller homes, keeping things minimal helps rooms feel open and spacious. If you use lights, choose soft white ones instead of bright multicolor displays that can feel overwhelming.

Keep scents and sounds subtle.
Seasonal candles, air fresheners, or music can add atmosphere, but it’s easy to go overboard. What smells cozy to one person might be too strong for another. If you want your home to smell pleasant, try a light and universally appealing scent such as Cypress and Santal from Hearth & Hand at Target or Frasier Fir by Thymes. Both provide a subtle, fresh, and festive aroma that feels seasonal without being overpowering. For music, stick to soft instrumental tunes at a low volume so they add warmth without becoming a distraction.

Don’t forget curb appeal.
Outdoor decorations should follow the same “less is more” approach. A tasteful wreath or a few strands of white lights can make your home feel cheerful and welcoming, especially during early evening showings when daylight fades quickly. Avoid inflatable decorations or anything that blocks the view of your home’s architecture or the “for sale” sign.

In the end, let your home, not your décor, take center stage.
The holidays can be a great time to sell, since buyers searching during this season are often serious and motivated. By keeping your photos timeless and your décor simple, you’ll appeal to both the hearts and minds of potential buyers. A home that feels warm, inviting, and uncluttered helps buyers imagine celebrating future holidays there, and that connection can make all the difference.

If you’re preparing to sell a home in Bakersfield or the surrounding Kern County communities this holiday season, strategic presentation can make a measurable difference. Our team specializes in helping sellers maximize their home’s value with smart staging, market-driven pricing, and high-quality marketing.
Call or text The McCarty Group at 661-665-SOLD to learn what your home could sell for in today’s market.