Fall Decor Dos and Don’ts When You’re Selling Your Home in Scottsdale

If you’re selling a golf course home in Scottsdale this fall, you and your REALTOR® have probably already discussed whether decorating for the season is appropriate while your home is staged – but if you haven’t, here’s everything you need to know.

The key to seasonal decorating when your house is on the market is to keep things simple – and to avoid going overboard. Try to stick to generic seasonal decor without diving too much into a specific holiday; you don’t want to alienate any prospective buyers.
Check out this list of fall decor dos and don’ts when you’re selling a home in Scottsdale:

Avoid oversized decorations
Keep light-blocking decorations away from your windows
Remember basic staging principles about color
Steer clear of any decor that moves or plays music
Decorate around architectural features
Don’t completely neglect the outdoors
Get feedback from your REALTOR

Here’s a closer look at each.

#1. Avoid oversized decorations

Evaluate every piece of decor to make sure it’s not so big that it detracts from what you want prospective buyers to see. You don’t want them to focus on your decor; you want them to focus on how much they’ll love living in your space. That means a big holiday tree, an arrangement that’ll take up your entire mantel or even a too-large wreath might be off the table this year.

#2. Keep light-blocking decorations away from your windows

Buyers want to see natural light coming into your home, so avoid using any decor that could block it. Holiday trees look great through the window from outside, but they can interrupt the way light comes in – and so can window decorations. Try to keep your decor at a minimum, especially around windows.
Related: Guide to staging your home in the fall
#3. Remember basic staging principles about color
When your home is for sale, you want everything to appear seamless. That means your seasonal decor has to color-coordinate with your space (or at least fall close to the palette of each room). If you’re having a tough time finding decorative seasonal accents that work, look at metallics. Gold, silver and copper go with nearly anything, and they’re neutral enough to add a little cheer without looking obnoxious.

#4. Steer clear of any decor that moves or plays music

Keep distractions to a minimum by avoiding decor that moves, plays music or displays flashing lights. You want buyers to focus on the house, not your holiday decor; you need your architecture, design and layout to leave a lasting impression.
Related: 5 essential tips for selling your golf course home in Scottsdale

#5. Decorate around architectural features

If your home has great features, like a curved staircase or a fabulous fireplace, you can use holiday decor to accent it. Just be careful not to cover up any of the architecture with your decor – you don’t want buyers to miss out on seeing it.

#6. Don’t completely neglect the outdoors

Curb appeal is always important, so don’t be afraid to add little touches outdoors. Put a wreath on the door, add poinsettias to your porch or put a small string of lights on some of your natural landscape features. (Don’t go all-out like the Griswolds, though.)
Related: 5 instant bathroom upgrades that can help you sell your home

#7. Get feedback from your REALTOR

It’s always a good idea to get your real estate agent’s feedback before you start showing your home while it’s decorated for the holidays. Your agent will let you know what can – and can’t – help you sell your house.
Pro tip: Make sure you have your home photographed before you put up any seasonal decor. The photos people see online shouldn’t include anything that could date them.
Are You Buying a Golf Course Home for Sale in Scottsdale?
If you’re selling your home and buying another one, call us at 480-405-4228 or fill out the form below to talk to a REALTOR now.
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Don Matheson
REALTOR® | Founder
The Matheson Team – RE/MAX Fine Pro

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Fall Decor Dos and Don’ts When You’re Selling Your Home in Scottsdale