Selling? 10 tips for decorating your porch for the holidays

Are you one of the thousands of sellers who has your home on the market this holiday season?  Are you torn between whether or not you should decorate at all?  Depending on which article you read, or who you speak with, will impact the advice and opinion you receive.  I am always pro-decorating for the holidays, with one simple caveat - it must be tasteful decor!  No big plastic Santa on the roof.  Or oversized inflatables on the front yard...

Plenty of people disagree with me and believe instead that holiday decorations increase the risk of offending someone.  In over 20 years of selling real estate, I have never had a buyer be offended by holiday decorations.  Instead, the decorated homes tend to appear a bit more welcoming, and warmer - which is an added bonus during a Chicago winter!

Just keep the decor tasteful.  Simple.  Soft.  Tone it down from your typical annual display.  Garlands on a staircase, garnished with twinkling lights.  A lightly staged mantled, dressed with stockings and candles.  The Christmas tree, tucked in the corner or filling the oft empty space of a bay window.

And do not forget the entry.  Especially if you are in a cold climate where a buyer will be standing, looking around, while the agent fidgets with opening the lockbox.  Again, keep it simple.  Want some ideas?  Click here to check out this post from tatertots & jello, offering 10 tips for a terrific porch display.  Happy Holidays!