Last time I checked, most buyers celebrate the same seasonal holidays as sellers. While a seller should certainly tone-down religious or scary items in order to appeal to a broader demographic, most holiday's are fair game, and Halloween brings with it the excitement of a new season (especially here in Connecticut!).
The key to proper holiday decor in a staged home is to add enough to be warm and inviting, but not so much that it steals the show (afterall, your selling your house, not what's in it). And avoid collections of small items or "too cutsie" items as they tend to look cluttered and get dusty very quickly.
Go with fewer displays of larger scale with clean lines. For example:
- Line your front steps with simple mums planted in terracotta pots.
- Place a nicely shaped, large pumpkin next to the fireplace. Or maybe 3 of differing sizes if room.
- Cave pumpkins with your street address (one number per pumpkin) and stack them on the porch.
- Tie a few faux fall tree branches together with twine and hang on the door in lieu of a traditional wreath.
- Put out a bowl of halloween candy (individually wrapped, of course) for buyers.
Now it probably goes without saying, but here are some no-no's if your home is for sale:
- Anything with fake spiders, including faux webs. (Ewww)
- Nothing that startles or jumps out.
- No scary music soundtracks!
- Nothing that involves fake blood.
So go ahead and have some fun this month, but do all things in moderation, especially if your home is for sale!
So what is the strangest halloween decor you've seen in a home for sale?
Boo!
Rooms That Work
Your home, only scarier. :)
Hi Cheri - I so agree with you! During the day when they are deflated, they are down-right creepy!
Janice - Oh don't get me started on the webs...you know how I am!!!!
I saw another one today...those orange leaf bags with jackolantern faces. Ewww!
Terry: I agree...use a fogger, but add a strobe light. That should leave a lasting impression!! LOL j/k
I hate the dried corn stalks...they get everywhere and if the owner doesn't sweep them up regularly, they track all over the house and it becomes a big mess.
Staging is all about being Tastefully Simple. No matter the holiday, when your home is on the market that statement is even more important.
As always, Your posts are wonderful.. Have a great vacation...
Kathy
Let's not forget about the tombstones and hanging ghosts on the trees.......buyer beware.....
Definately agree that some seasonal decorating is O.K. I just advise not to go too over the top.
Heather Klein - Emmy & Me Interiors
Terry, what on earth is a "stench machine?"
Gaylen - Thx for commenting!
Jennifer - Love the fog machine w/strob light combo! Very memorable! And yes, corn stalks are messy!
Kathy - I like that term "Tastefully Simple"! Says it all! Vac was great, but now I'm waaaay behind!
Heather - Oh yes...those tombstones are too much!
Ok, here's one we did that might be considered "Tastefully Simple" - we put one of those tree faces on a large tree in the front yard with a spotlight on it. I'll get a picture to share...
I would not stage a home for Halloween. Most of it just isn't appropriate, but I think your suggestions are really more a harvest feeling and very nice!