Hold off on the Holiday Decorations Until After Listing Photos are Taken
When it comes to selling a home, first impressions matter more than almost anything else. Buyers often make snap judgments based on listing photos, and those images set the tone for how they perceive the property before they ever step foot inside. With the holiday season approaching, many homeowners are tempted to deck the halls before scheduling professional photography. While festive décor may feel warm and inviting in person, it can actually work against you in listing photos. Here’s why holding off on holiday decorations until after your photos are taken is one of the smartest moves you can make.
Timeless Appeal Matters
Listing photos are not just for the week they’re taken; they often remain online for months. Holiday decorations instantly date your photos. A Christmas tree in the corner or a menorah on the mantle signals to buyers that the pictures were taken in December. If your home is still on the market in March or April, those seasonal touches will feel out of place and may even make buyers wonder why the property hasn’t sold yet. Neutral, timeless photos ensure your home looks fresh and appealing no matter when buyers view the listing.
Buyers Want to See the Home, Not the Décor
Holiday decorations, while beautiful, can be distracting. A large tree may block the view of a window, garlands may cover architectural details, and bright lights can draw attention away from the actual features of the home. Buyers want to see the size of the rooms, the finishes, and the layout—not your personal holiday style. By keeping the space clear of seasonal décor, you allow the home’s best features to shine without competition.
Space and Scale Are Key
One of the most important aspects of listing photos is showing buyers how spacious a home feels. Holiday decorations often take up significant room. A tree in the living room, extra furniture for entertaining, or elaborate displays on countertops can make spaces appear smaller than they really are. Photos should highlight openness and flow, not clutter. Keeping decorations out of the frame helps buyers better understand the true scale of the property.
Avoid Polarizing Preferences
Holiday décor is highly personal. While one buyer may love a traditional Christmas setup, another may prefer a minimalist winter look—or may not celebrate the holiday at all. What feels festive to you could feel overwhelming or even off-putting to someone else. The goal of listing photos is to appeal to the widest possible audience. Neutral, undecorated spaces allow buyers to imagine their own lifestyle in the home without being influenced by your seasonal preferences.
Professional Photography Works Best with Neutral Spaces
Photographers rely on clean lines, balanced lighting, and uncluttered spaces to capture the best angles of your home. Holiday decorations introduce variables that can interfere with those goals. Twinkling lights can create glare, shiny ornaments may reflect flashes, and bold colors can throw off the balance of a room. A neutral environment gives photographers the freedom to highlight your home’s architecture and design without competing elements.
Longevity of Marketing Materials
Your listing photos are not just used online. They may appear in brochures, postcards, or other marketing materials. If those images feature holiday décor, they will quickly feel outdated once the season passes. Marketing materials should have a shelf life that extends beyond a few weeks. By waiting to decorate until after photos are taken, you ensure that your marketing remains relevant and professional throughout the entire listing period.
The Emotional Connection Comes Later
It’s true that holiday decorations can make a home feel cozy and inviting during showings. That emotional connection can be valuable once buyers are physically touring the property. The key is timing. Take your listing photos first, then add your holiday touches afterward if you wish. This way, your online presence remains timeless and appealing, while in-person tours can still benefit from the warmth of seasonal décor.
Practical Tips for Sellers
- Schedule photos early. Aim to have professional photography done before you begin decorating for the holidays.
- Keep décor minimal during showings. If you do decorate after photos are taken, keep it simple and avoid overwhelming spaces.
- Focus on cleanliness and staging. A clean, well-staged home will always outshine one that relies on seasonal décor.
- Think ahead. Remember that your listing may remain active for several months, so plan for longevity in your marketing materials.
Final Thoughts
Selling a home is about showcasing its potential, not its current season. Holiday decorations, while joyful, can limit the effectiveness of your listing photos and marketing materials. By holding off until after photography, you give your home the best chance to appeal to buyers year-round. Once the photos are complete, feel free to add festive touches for your own enjoyment and for in-person tours—but let the timeless beauty of your home speak for itself online.
