Real NEastate: Should I decorate for the holidays if my house is for sale?

Q: I live on a block in Rhawnhurst that is very celebratory at Christmas. Everyone on the street puts up tons of decorations and lights. The problem, is I am selling my home and I don’t want to mistakenly turn off a potential buyer, so I was thinking of not participating this year. Is it a good idea or bad idea to decorate for Christmas?

A: Holiday decorations could distract from the sale of your home if your idea of decorating looks more like Clark Griswold than Martha Stewart. It is also true there may be potential buyers of different religions that may come to see your home that do not celebrate Christmas.

On the flip side, a festive street can work to your advantage. It depicts the care and pride your neighbors take in the homes in your neighborhood. For the short time they are up, those decorations produce a warm neighborly feeling. Buyers will likely appreciate the collaborative effort. You never know; some potential buyers could even swing down your street attracted to the illumination and spot your “for sale” sign!

You should participate in the holiday tradition on your street for (hopefully) the last time. If your decorations are in the garage or basement, break them out and discriminately sort through them for the best and most tasteful. Don’t overdo it and don’t accidentally hide your for “for sale” sign with them. Make sure your decorations enhance your home not distract from it.

Stacey McCarthy is a real estate agent with the McCarthy Group of Keller Williams. Her Real NEastate column appears every Wednesday on NEastPhilly.com. See others here. Read other NEast Philly columns here.