Selling with Sparkle: The Jason Gorman Team’s Guide to Holiday Home Staging

The holiday season is one of the most magical times of the year here in Minnesota. If your home is on the market, you might be wondering: Should I decorate? And if so, how much is too much?

The truth is, selling during the holidays can be a major advantage! Buyer competition is often lower, and the buyers who are out looking are typically very serious. Your goal is to use tasteful, strategic holiday décor to create a warm, inviting, and memorable atmosphere without overwhelming the space.

Here is The Jason Gorman Real Estate Team’s expert guide to striking the perfect balance with holiday home staging.

1. Subtlety is the Star: The Interior Staging Rule

When staging for a sale, your decorations should enhance your home’s best features, not hide them. Think "chic winter wonderland" over "tacky holiday spectacle."

• Stick to Neutrals and Naturals: Ditch the personalized or overtly colorful ornaments and opt for a sophisticated, neutral palette. Think silver, gold, creamy white, and natural wood tones.
  
  
• Embrace Evergreen Accents: A simple, elegant garland draped across a mantelpiece or a tasteful wreath on an interior door adds holiday cheer without clutter. This draws the eye to architectural features you want to highlight.
  
  
• Size Matters for the Tree: If you choose to have a tree, make sure it is proportional to the room. A too-large tree will make a room feel cramped. Decorate it sparsely with neutral ornaments to maintain an airy feel.
  
  
• Mindful of Beliefs: Keep religious-specific décor to a minimum. Instead, focus on universally appealing seasonal items like winter greenery, pinecones, cozy textures, and candles. This ensures every buyer feels welcome.
  
  

2. Master the Minnesota Curb Appeal in Winter

In the North Star State, curb appeal shifts dramatically once the snow falls. A well-maintained and tastefully decorated exterior will make a powerful first impression against a white backdrop.

• Warm White Lights Only: Skip the flashing, multicolored lights and the giant inflatables. Instead, use simple, warm white string lights to gently outline your roofline, front entryway, or wrap a few small trees. This makes your home look welcoming and highlights its structure.
  
  
• The Power of Greenery: Hang a lush, natural-looking wreath on your front door. Use potted evergreen branches or birch logs on your front porch to add texture and color against the snow.
  
  
• Safety and Maintenance First: This is non-negotiable in a Minnesota winter.
  
  
  • Clear the Path: Ensure all walkways, steps, and the driveway are completely free of snow and ice. Safety is paramount!
    
    
  • Keep it Bright: Make sure your exterior lighting is working perfectly. A bright, well-lit entrance is essential for evening showings.
    
    

3. The Sensory Secret: Creating a Cozy Vibe

A home that feels good is a home that sells quickly. During the holidays, you have a perfect opportunity to appeal to a buyer's senses and create that much-desired "cozy" atmosphere, often referred to as hygge.

• Cozy Textures: Layer in soft, neutral elements like a faux-fur throw draped over a sofa, a chunky knit blanket, or plush, textured pillows. This immediately makes a space feel warm and livable.
  
  
• Subtle Scents: Avoid strong, synthetic air fresheners. Instead, use natural, mild, and universally pleasant scents like simmering cinnamon sticks and cloves on the stovetop, or a subtle pine-scented diffuser. You want a welcoming aroma, not an overpowering blast.
  
  
• Maximize Warm Light: Winter days are short. Combat the darkness by maximizing your light sources.
  
  
  • Turn on every light for showings.
    
    
  • Use warm-toned light bulbs (2700K or 'Soft White') to create a golden, inviting glow.
    
    
  • Open all curtains and blinds to let in any available natural light.
    
    

4. The Golden Rule: Declutter and Depersonalize

This applies year-round, but it's especially critical during the holidays when decorations tend to multiply.

• Less is More with Decorations: If you have 10 boxes of decorations, use only one. Pack away any excess sentimental items, fragile heirlooms, and any holiday knick-knacks that distract from the size and features of the room.
  
  
• Tidy the "Gifting Zones": If you have gifts wrapped, keep them neatly organized in one designated, non-cluttering area (like under the tree). Do not let them spill into the main living spaces, closets, or on top of furniture.
  
  
• Clear the Counters: Kitchen counters should be immaculate. A simple bowl of seasonal fruit or a small, elegant centerpiece on the dining table is all you need to add festive flair while showcasing counter space.
  
  

Why Sell With Us During the Holidays?

The Jason Gorman Real Estate Team knows the Minnesota market, even when it’s covered in snow. We understand that selling in late fall and early winter attracts the most serious, motivated buyers who often need to close before the end of the year. By following these staging tips, your home won't just look beautiful; it will be positioned perfectly to stand out and appeal to the right buyer at the right time.

Ready to sell your Minnesota home this holiday season? Contact The Jason Gorman Real Estate Team today for a personalized staging consultation and a strategic plan to get your home sold fast and for top dollar.