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Rainmaker
1,543,634
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

Photos sans decor, then decorate. I like timeless photos but love seasonal decor.  I'm politely honest, some say blunt, but I've never understood the nonsense of PC.

Oct 05, 2015 01:35 AM
Rainmaker
175,614
Spirit Messingham
Tierra Antigua Realty - Tucson, AZ
Third Generation Full-Time Realtor® 520 471-6900

There are pros and cons, and opinions vary.   I think many people should keep in mind,  not everyone on the planet follows the same holidays.  For example, a rounded estimation would be Christianity at about 2.2 billion or 31% of the world population.    When I take a listing, I even suggest that a family remove all pictures, etc.  We want the buyers to be able to envision themselves living in the property, to see it as their home.  Hard to do with little Billy staring at them from a photo or with Santa sliding down the chimney.  But again, opinions vary.

Oct 05, 2015 04:42 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I think it is perfectly fine to carry on living in the home and that includes decorating. However I advise sellers to do it modestly that overloading the house can make it look smaller and can be very distracting.

Oct 05, 2015 02:50 AM
Ambassador
2,161,048
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

I think as long as it's not overdone and you have fall over decorations every step you take it's fine. People still live in their homes and should be able to act accordingly without having to worry about PC-anything all the time. 

Oct 05, 2015 02:45 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Decorating for the season is a GOOD THING.

What ever you choose, someone will be offended.

I advise not allowing others this control over your life. 

However, moderation, so the HOUSE can be seen is a good idea.

Oct 05, 2015 02:02 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Keep it to a minimum and keep it tasteful, I say. But if you're still living in the home to totally ignore holidays is ridiculous. You certainly don't want you home to look like Christmas threw up all over the place, but I've never had anyone be offended by tasteful Christmas decorations during the season when showing homes.

Oct 05, 2015 01:50 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

I think many people do not mind the home is decorated for the holidays.. Colorful,,,,

Oct 05, 2015 12:39 AM
Rainmaker
323,664
Fred Cope
Reliant Realty in Nashville, TN - Nashville, TN
Looking For Homes With A Smile

Winston, how are you?

My basic philosophy is "All things with moderation."  I balk at NEVER and ALWAYS, and find moderation applies in eating, drinking, conversation, friendships, and especially with decoration.  Whether speaking of dress, jewelry, automobile or home --maderation would be my suggestion.  I live in a subdivision where many homes show no evidence of the holiday, and a few go all out.  Personally, I do very little decoration.  Perhaps a horn of plenty for Thanksgiving, an evergreen tree for Christmas, and an American Flag for Memorial Day, Indepencence Day and Veterans Day.  I enjoy riding around viewing homes decorated for Christmas, and one home draws such crowds that it takes close to 30 minutes to circle through.  A friend at the local power company said the utility bill for December runs in excess of $4,000.  How about laying that utility bill on the kitchen counter during showings.

Oct 17, 2015 09:44 PM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Definitely!  You have to live your life and celebrate the good times.

Oct 06, 2015 09:42 AM
Rainmaker
763,883
Tony Lewis
Summit Real Estate Group - Valencia, CA
Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo

A nice looking festive home set up for the season is appealing.  It is reflective on the quality of care the home has received over the years.

Oct 05, 2015 11:24 AM
Rainer
150,416
Michael Thacker - Re/Max Real Estate Center - Louisville
Re/Max Real Estate Center - The Thacker Group - Louisville, KY
Your best friend who just happens to be a Realtor

I wouldnt worry about the decorations during showings, etc. since like many said, it can make the home feel "warm & loved in"!

However, take the photos you put online before anything is done, when the home is staged (no clutter, no personal momentos, etc.) to get sold.

If you have to take them during the holiday, then the moment the tree is put away, take a new batch of interior shots and upload them!

Oct 05, 2015 09:50 AM
Ambassador
5,828,721
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

My rule of thumb- keep it simple. Decorations aren't bad, just put out less than you usually do.  Just like anything else, you don't want anything to distract your buyers. 

Oct 05, 2015 07:57 AM
Rainer
417,221
Caroline Gerardo
Licensed in 20 states - Newport Beach, CA
C. G. Barbeau the Loan Lady nmls 324982

Okay I'm answering this one as a seller (I'm downsizing)  I got out my Halloween decorations- all the scary bats, skeletons and witch potions were put in boxes and given to the Salvation Army. I used to have the whole front and livingroom a haunted house. I used the cute jack-o-lanterns, ceramic pumpkins and pumpkin lights on strings. Very toned down Halloween because I want to sell and not scare away someone.

Got my Fall mums, sedum, anise hyssop and witch hazel in my garden

Oct 05, 2015 04:53 AM
Rainmaker
864,658
Les & Sarah Oswald
Realty One Group - Eastvale, CA
Broker, Realtor and Investor

I think when it is done modestly it is OK. Color, scent and music tends to cheer people up. We want buyers to be happy when they are touring the property, howeverr, we don't want to overwhelm their senses.

Oct 05, 2015 03:44 AM
Rainmaker
443,220
Cindy Davis
SD Home Source Realty - San Diego, CA

If home sellers are living in and selling their homes during the holidays, I think it's fine to decorate to your particular tradition. That said, I think decorations should be modest, and not over the top.

Oct 05, 2015 02:45 AM
Rainer
145,403
Andrzej Niemyjski
Realty One Group - Sun City West, AZ

This is just like any other time we ask clients to declutter to make it more presentable.  Same goes for holiday decorations some its nice just dont go overboard.

Oct 05, 2015 02:21 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Winston Heverly I'm like "the Donald" - way too much emphasis on PC for me - check some of my early posts in 2006/2007 and you'll see!

Oct 05, 2015 01:12 AM
Rainmaker
212,755
Stefan Winter
Real Estate in IL & NV | Owner of Real Estate Web Tech | Daily Vlogger - Las Vegas, NV
Owner - Winter Group & Real Estate Web Tech

I think it is ok, but don't go overboard for any holiday. 

Oct 05, 2015 01:09 AM
Rainmaker
655,940
Jeffrey Jones
AZ Home Seekers - San Tan Valley, AZ
AZ Home Seekers, azhomeseekers.com

The general rule in the past no to make it too personal. A seller lives in a fish bowl enough keeping a house ready for showings, and you can't please everyone so I wouldn't have a problem with a seller decorating in moderation.

Oct 05, 2015 12:35 AM
Rainmaker
784,786
The Woodland Team of Texas
The Woodland Companies - Austin, TX
Land Specialists

Why not?

Apr 12, 2019 10:34 PM
Ambassador
6,393,154
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Sure, people understand.

Oct 10, 2018 09:30 PM
Rainmaker
1,677,265
Winston Heverly
Coldwell Banker Access Realty - South Macon, GA
GRI, ABR, SFR, CDPE, CIAS, PA

I hope you folks are right, but based on what you hear on the media, you would think we lived in the Middle East following Sharia law.

Oct 05, 2015 01:35 PM
Rainmaker
911,328
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

Most peopel from foreign countries I have worked with have all been accepting of American culture and holidays, and none of them have ever complained about a Christmas tree, pumpkin, or Easter egg hunt, etc. Sellers just need to know to not try to push their religious beliefs onto others.

Oct 05, 2015 07:24 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Yes, as long as it is not over board.   It also depends on the target market

Oct 05, 2015 06:59 AM