As autumn leaves begin to fall to the ground, neighborhoods across the country come alive with the glow of jack-o-lanterns in anticipation of Halloween. For homeowners looking to sell during this spirited season, striking the right balance between festive decor and timeless appeal can be a challenge.
While some embrace the spooky season wholeheartedly, an overenthusiastic haunted house vibe might give potential buyers more chills than thrills. On the other hand, a subtle nod to the holiday can create a warm and memorable experience.
Follow these tips from real estate professionals to help you decorate without scaring off someone looking to buy your home.
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1. Stick to decorating the outdoors
“Too much ghoulish distraction indoors will make the buyers feel as if they are touring a haunted home rather than a home for sale,” says David Meek, a top Scottsdale, Arizona Realtor® with more than 20 years of experience.
…But don’t go overboard
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Whatever you put outside, make sure it isn’t too scary, as you want your home to look appealing, not frightening.
“I would focus on making it more seasonal-based by sticking to a lot of pumpkins, cornstalks, gourds, etc.,” recommends Kevin Lawton, a top Realtor in Bordentown, New Jersey. “You don’t want the decorations to detract from features of the house.”
And if you go with pumpkins, it’s a good idea to go with faux, so they don’t rot, smell or attract critters.
Bonus tip when thinking about outdoor Halloween decorations: “Avoid being the guy on the block with the inflatable yard decor because it will eclipse your yard sign,” says Meek.
