MONTHLYINSIGHT
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 I 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.
Q: “Should I do repairs before listing or price my home to sell “as is”?”
That really depends on your goals and how much you want to get for your home. For most sellers, the goal is to maximize their profit If that’s the case, selling “as is” usually isn’t the best route. A better approach is to start with a pre-listing home inspection. This gives you a clear understanding of your home’s condition before it ever hits the market. From there, I can guide you on which repairs will give you the greatest return and which ones aren’t worth the expense. Many sellers are surprised to learn that not all repairs are created equal Fixing the wrong things can drain your budget without adding real value, while addressing the right issues can help your home stand out and sell for more.
When key repairs are completed before listing, your home presents as wellmaintained and move-in ready Buyers are often willing to pay more for these properties. You also gain a major advantage during negotiations. A home with fewer inspection surprises gives buyers less leverage to ask for price reductions or repair credits later It shows confidence and helps create trust, which often leads to stronger offers and smoother escrows.
In short, while you can list a home “as is,” taking a proactive approach gives you more control over your results. A little preparation on the front end often leads to a faster sale and a higher final price at closing
3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms
Cul-de-sac home with flexible living spaces, vaulted ceilings, a brick fireplace, and a kitchen with a breakfast bar that opens to the backyard.
3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms
Turn-key manufactured home in Southland with open living, granite kitchen, lowmaintenance yard, and community pool access.
Hosted by Laurie McCarty Hosted by Laurie McCarty
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OPEN HOUSE, OPEN MIC NOVEMBER 2025
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NOVEMBERHOMEMAINTENANCECHECKLIST
Regular maintenance protects your biggest investment— your home! Be proactive now to avoid headaches later. As you check off each task below, you'll ensure your home stays in excellent condition year-round!
Clean Range Hood & Filters
With more cooking happening during the holiday season, make sure your range hood and filters are clean to reduce grease buildup and improve air quality
Cleaning Your Dishwasher
Give your hardworking dishwasher a little TLC. Clean the interior, focusing on the screens and reservoir, to ensure it runs efficiently and leaves your holiday dishes sparkling clean.
Boost Refrigerator Efficiency
Help your fridge work smarter, not harder, by cleaning the coils on the back. This quick task can improve its energy efficiency, just in time for storing all those Thanksgiving leftovers.
Prepare for Holiday Décor
Check and organize holiday lights and decorations. Inspect outdoor electrical outlets to ensure they’re working and can handle additional holiday lighting.
REALRESULTS,REALCLIENTS
When Cindee decided to sell her parents’ home in Northwest Bakersfield, she turned to Laurie McCarty and The McCarty Group for trusted guidance. From their first meeting in September to closing just one month later, the team handled every detail with care and efficiency
As Cindee shared, “Laurie and all of her staff were great to work with. Everyone was helpful, responsive, very efficient and sensitive to our needs I met with Laurie in September and escrow was closed in October! I am very grateful!”
For families navigating the sale of a loved one’s home, having a knowledgeable and compassionate team can make all the difference and Cindee’s experience is a perfect example of that.
Laurie McCarty | Owner & Realtor
Connor McCarty | Realtor
Bob McCarty | Field Services Specialist
Bridgette Sanchez | Realtor
Courtney Montoya | Marketing Coordinator
Genevive Salgado | Listing Coordinator & Realtor
Margaret Edmonston | Realtor
Paige Marchant | Transaction Coordinator & Realtor
Stephanie Llanes | Realtor
Tishana Debenham | Office & Sales Manager
Lauren Sefton | Marketing Manager & Realtor