5 Holiday Decorations That Could Hurt Your Home’s Value
Written by
Daisy Carrington
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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Each year, holiday spending in the U.S. seems to creep up, with 2024 likely to be no exception. According to the 2024 Deloitte Holiday Retail Survey, consumers expect to spend $1,778 this holiday season, an 8% increase from last year. Much of that money will be spent on festive home decor, which Deloitte expects to increase 9% year-on-year.
While twinkling lights and inflatable reindeer make for a merry atmosphere around the holidays, some real estate experts are advising caution to homeowners who seek to deck the halls this year. According to the Palm Paradise Realty Group, festive decor can negatively impact a home’s value.
“What feels inviting and fun to you during a specific holiday can be appealing to potential buyers,” they warned. Here is a list of the types of holiday decor that are best avoided for anyone looking to sell their home.
Festive Light Fixtures
Elaborate light fixtures and other permanent modifications, like custom-built displays, can spook potential buyers, who might worry about the expense of future upkeep. They might also diminish a home’s curb appeal by making it feel less homey.
“Excessive, flashy lights can make a property feel more like a theme park than a home,” said Adam Chahl, founder of Vancouver Home Search, which he added could be off-putting to potential buyers.
Themed Front Doors and Windows
Not every buyer that graces the front door will share the same holiday traditions and if doors and windows are kitted out in full festive decor, it could turn some folks away. If a buyer doesn’t like the decorations they see, they may worry that changing them will incur extra expense.
“If buyers think the property needs significant aesthetic changes, they may make a lower offer or even decide against offering altogether,” a representative of Palm Paradise Realty Group explained.
Murals and Bold Paint Choices
Many real estate experts say the holidays are not the time to make bold paint choices. As a rule of thumb, standing out from the neighboring houses with bright reds, greens or glittery colors can bring down a home’s price, as can murals or any decorations that feel overtly religious or too customized.
“Purchasers might find it difficult to envision themselves in a house with elaborate decor,” said Sebastian Jania, owner of Ontario Property Buyers. “It could turn off buyers who could view things like murals as an extra cost or as something they’ll need to modify after they move in.”
Lawn Ornaments
While small, tasteful lawn ornaments can add warmth to a property, too many or oversized lawn decorations can detract from a home’s more desirable architectural features and can make the front yard look cluttered.
Chahl said he’s noticed oversized inflatable decorations to be a turn-off for buyers, adding they give the impression that a home is poorly maintained.
“For someone considering the property, [too many lawn ornaments] can raise questions about upkeep,” he said.
Oversized Trees and Wreaths
When considering a tree or wreath, it’s important to choose something that enhances a home’s appeal, rather than detracts from it. In particular, it’s vital that these festive touches don’t block out natural light by obstructing windows or entranceways or otherwise cover up a home’s charms.
“It’s not great if your realtor is trying to point out attractive architectural features, but the viewer can’t see them because there’s a big decoration in the way,” Palm Paradise Realty Group said.
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