Let's talk about something that might sound a little counterintuitive: selling your home during the holidays. I know, I know—most people think it's better to wait until spring when the market "heats up." But here's the thing: if you're listing during the holidays, you've got a built-in advantage that spring sellers don't have. Holiday staging isn't just about making your home look pretty (though that certainly doesn't hurt). It's about tapping into something deeper—the emotions and memories that make a house feel like a home.
The Real Value of Staging
Here's what a lot of sellers don't realize: staging isn't just smoke and mirrors. It actually adds measurable value to your sale in three distinct ways.
First, there's the actual value. Staged homes consistently sell for more money—we're talking anywhere from 5% to 15% above comparable unstaged properties. That's real money in your pocket, not just theoretical markup. The National Association of Realtors has done extensive research on this, and the numbers don't lie.
Then you've got perceived value. This is where the psychology kicks in. When buyers walk into a staged home, they're not just seeing square footage and fixtures. They're envisioning their future life there. A well-staged home helps buyers imagine hosting their own holiday dinners, curling up by the fireplace with hot cocoa, or watching their kids open presents on Christmas morning. That emotional connection translates directly into willingness to pay more.
Finally—and this is huge—staged homes sell faster. During the holidays, you're working with a smaller buyer pool, but those buyers are serious. They're not just browsing on a lazy Sunday afternoon. If they're house hunting in December, they need to buy. A staged home helps them make that decision quickly and confidently.
"Staging is one of those things where sellers sometimes want to cut corners, and I get it—it feels like an extra expense," says Mike Oddo, CEO of HouseJet. "But here's what I tell every client: staging pays for itself, usually many times over. During the holidays especially, you're competing not just with other homes on the market, but with all the distractions of the season. Staging cuts through that noise and makes buyers stop and take notice. At HouseJet, we've seen it transform listings from 'just another house' into the home someone can't stop thinking about."
Your Holiday Staging Checklist
Ready to make your home irresistible this season? Here's your game plan:
Keep it tasteful, not tacky. This isn't the time for inflatable Santas or every Christmas decoration you've collected since 1987. Think elegant, neutral, and understated. You want buyers focused on your home, not your holiday enthusiasm.
Light it up. Warm, ambient lighting creates instant coziness. Think string lights along the mantle, candles (LED ones for showings), and soft lamp lighting instead of harsh overheads.
Appeal to the senses. The smell of cinnamon, pine, or vanilla can trigger powerful emotional responses. Just keep it subtle—you want inviting, not overwhelming.
Create cozy conversation areas. Arrange furniture to encourage gathering. A couple of chairs by the fireplace with a throw blanket draped casually over one creates an instant lifestyle moment.
Highlight your home's winter advantages. Got a fireplace? Make it a focal point. Great insulation or a new heating system? Make sure that information is front and center.
Don't forget curb appeal. Tasteful outdoor lighting, a wreath on the door, and a clear, well-maintained path to your entrance set the tone before buyers even step inside.
Keep it neutral. This bears repeating: your staging should appeal to the widest possible audience. Save the religious or culturally specific decorations for your next home.
The HouseJet Approach
At HouseJet, we've developed some specific strategies that work particularly well during the holiday season. We focus on creating what we call "memory moments"—small vignettes throughout the home that trigger positive associations. A reading nook with a stack of books and a soft throw. A breakfast bar with pretty mugs and a coffee station setup. A dining table set for an intimate dinner party.
The goal isn't to distract buyers with decorations—it's to use the season to enhance what makes your home special in the first place.
Look, I'm not going to tell you that selling during the holidays is easy. It's not. But with the right staging strategy, you can turn the season's challenges into your biggest advantages. And when that offer comes in above asking price, you'll be glad you put in the effort.