The holidays bring so much fun and magic, especially in a resort town like Park City. Pumpkin patches, cozy fires, twinkling lights, and garlands add to our town’s charm. But if you’re planning to sell your Park City home between Halloween and New Year’s, here’s one thing to keep in mind: holiday decorations and real estate photography don’t mix.
Holiday Decor Dates Your Photos
One of the biggest reasons to remove seasonal décor before listing photos is simple: your photos will look dated in just a few weeks. A skeleton on the porch screams “October.” A Christmas tree in the corner? That tells buyers your home has been on the market since December.
Buyers shop online first, and your photos are your home’s first impression. Holiday decorations time-stamp your listing and can subtly suggest it’s been sitting unsold for a while, even if that’s not the case.
You Want Timeless, Not Themed
When it comes to real estate photography, less is more. The goal is to let buyers envision themselves living in your space, not to admire your excellent taste in spooky inflatables or your heirloom nativity scene.
Neutral, clutter-free spaces help buyers focus on the bones of the home: the gorgeous fireplace, the high ceilings, the natural light. Seasonal decor (no matter how tasteful) draws attention away from those selling features.
It Distracts from the Architecture
That 10-foot Christmas tree? Gorgeous in person. But in a photo, it might block the view of your stunning windows. Giant inflatables outside? Fun for trick-or-treaters but not so much for a buyer trying to see your landscaping or entryway.
Think of it this way: your real estate photos should make your home feel like a model home. Clean, open, welcoming, but not personalized. That’s the secret to helping your home appeal to the broadest range of buyers.
But What If You’re Living in the Home?
Totally understandable. It’s the holidays, and you still want to enjoy your traditions. Here’s our advice:
- If possible, hold off on decorating until after photos are taken. Listing photos only take a few hours and can be scheduled early.
- If you’ve already decorated, we will help remove and reset key pieces just for the photo shoot.
- We are fine with holiday décor for showings. It should be tasteful and should not make your home look cluttered. If you are wondering, less is always more.
We know how to stage and photograph your home to make the best first impression, regardless of the season. We work with top-notch photographers and stagers to make sure your home shines online, even if it’s snowing outside.
So, if you’re thinking of selling this fall or winter, let’s chat before you hang the lights. We’ll help you plan the perfect listing timeline and get your home photo-ready, no matter what the calendar says.
1 Comment
Great article. I’ll definitely try these tips in my work.