Selling a home during this time of year can be tricky, especially for homeowners who love to decorate for the holidays. While some may argue that it does not make sense to put (or keep) a home on the market during the holiday season, several realtors we have spoken to advise that it may not be a horrible idea. After all, holiday decorations make nearly any house feel more like a home. Additionally, holiday entertaining and the threat of unexpected visits from friends and neighbors delivering presents often force people to keep their homes fairly tidy during this time of year. Finally, it is important to note that while there may be fewer house hunters swinging by for an open house when it is cold and holiday festivities abound, the reality is that the people who do show interest in a home are most likely more serious. In other words, the people looking for a home right now are probably more qualified candidates than the throngs of people who check out the local open houses on the block during the warm summer months.

Below are a few quick tips for selling a home during the holidays. These tricks will ensure that your home is beautiful and festive, but not overdone in the eyes of potential home buyers who are more decor conservative.

• Decorate, but show restraint and avoid excessive ornamentation
• Use fresh greens to decorate and make your whole home smell great
• String lights conservatively around the entry way for a welcoming glow, but limit the number of outdoor decorations to ensure that potential buyers actually see your house (not just the decorations)
• Make sure that the holiday decor you choose is classic in nature to appeal to a variety of styles, and choose seasonal decorations that compliment the rest of the home
• Avoid strongly scented candles that may be overpowering for some people

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Knowing that more than 12,000 people are treated for decorating-related injuries including falls, burns and shocks from hanging lights or putting up Christmas trees and millions of dollars of property losses are also reported each year*, we wanted to highlight a few safety tips to ensure your holiday season is not only beautiful but safe. While these tips are not new, we feel it is important to remind our readers about the importance of safety during the holidays and winter months.

Avoid Fire Hazards – Many fires are started because of dry Christmas trees and overloaded electrical sockets. To help reduce the risk of fires this holiday season, consumers are urged to water their Christmas trees often (daily) and avoid overloading sockets with multiple cords and plugs. Additionally, consumers who use candles for added ambiance during the holiday season are reminded to blow them out before leaving the house or going to sleep at night. Of course, homeowners can also rely on battery-operated candles for an even safer option.

Maintain Fireplaces & Check Smoke Detectors – As the winter months approach, homeowners and renters should consider checking their smoke detectors to make sure they are working properly. Chimneys should also be cleaned before lighting fires in the fireplace. Finally, it is essential that all space heaters are positioned safely in any room, away from furniture, draperies and decor.

*According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

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