How early is too early for holiday curb appeal? Read on to find out!
It’s almost the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season is right around the corner. Some areas are already blanketed in snow, while other parts of the country are watching the leaves fall. But even those there’s a nip in the air, it might not be time to break out the twinkle lights and holly boughs quite yet.
Holiday Season Timing
To find out when most Americans decorate for the holidays, Branded Research recently conducted a poll. 60% of the respondents said they decorated for the winter holidays after Thanksgiving. However, 11% claimed to start decking the halls right after Halloween.
And amazingly, 15% of people polled put their holiday decorations up before Halloween!
Magic of the Holidays
Unsurprisingly, households with younger children decorate much earlier than parents with teens, empty-nesters, and single or child-free homeowners. Kristen Miles, the director of insights for Branded Research, concluded that the “presence of children in the household is the biggest driver and motivator behind putting up decorations for the holidays, and putting decorations up early in the season.”
For many people, the holidays are a time of family, friendship, and wonderful memories. For people from all different backgrounds, the holidays represent a time of joy and celebration (and, often, presents). But there’s a big caveat when it comes to holiday décor and selling a home.
Downside of Decorating?
Homeowners who are looking to sell over the holidays are better off leaving the decorations in boxes this year. If the property is already decorated at Thanksgiving, it sends the signal that the owners plan on being there through the holiday season. That may very well turn off potential buyers—especially those looking to make a swift sale.
Another issue with decorating for the holidays is that potential buyers may struggle to see themselves in the home. When the owners’ traditions are proudly on display everywhere, it doesn’t leave much room for the buyer to imagine their own family celebrating in the home.
Holiday Curb Appeal Compromise
Some real estate experts advise against decorating at all if a home hits the market between November and January. However, simple and tasteful décor can add a splash of seasonal curb appeal. The trick is to avoid anything tacky—like a giant blowup Snoopy in a Santa hat, for example—or specific to any religious tradition.
Remember, you want to make potential buyers feel welcome, so sticking with non-denominational décor like evergreen wreaths and elegant white lights is the best course of action. As with any curb appeal solution, keep things simple and uncluttered.
