Should I Stage My Home This Holiday Season?

The winter, and in particular around the holiday season, sellers often question if it is the right time to stage and sell their homes. While it can be a slower time in the market, if you ask the right questions, you’ll find that it is actually an ideal time to stage and list your home!

Who is shopping for a home during the holidays?

You may ask yourself this, thinking the holidays are a busy time of year for gatherings and travel, so are buyers actually searching right now? It may surprise you but yes, buyers are shopping around the holidays, and in fact, those looking this time of year are usually quite “serious”. With schools closed and new jobs often beginning around the start of the new year, the holidays are an ideal time for families and professionals to make a home purchase and get settled. Think about this as you consider staging designs and include touches that would appeal to the ideal buyer in your area, whether that be styling a home office or a playful children’s room.

If buyers are serious, then why should I put the effort into staging?

No matter how serious a buyer is, they still want to feel a connection to a home before making the purchase. Especially around the holidays, homes need to feel warm and inviting so that potential buyers can imagine their lives here in the future. Staging your home this time of year allows you to create this ideal space for gatherings and celebrations. Consider setting the dining room with a large table and place settings so that it feels ready to host guests!

Should holiday decor be included in my home staging?

While it may seem inviting to have a tree in the front window, holiday decor should really be minimal. You should keep in mind that buyers may celebrate a different holiday than your own, and be mindful of the decor you display. You also want to consider that the photos taken will be a part of this listing, and should your home continue to be listed into early January, you don’t want photos to feel outdated or seasonal. Instead of a tree and lights, consider some other cozy elements, such as wood lanterns, coffee mugs by the fireplace, and warm textiles in shades of dark green, rust, and brown. You can also infuse some seasonal trends; we recently shared our latest favorites for Fall 2023!