Conventional wisdom advises sellers to take their real estate off of the market between Thanksgiving and Christmas or New Years. There tend to be fewer buyers during this period, and often it is difficult to schedule appointments for showing property.

For sellers who decide to leave their properties on the market, there can be some advantages. For one, with fewer homes for sale, competition is decreased. Also, buyers who are looking at this time are serious about making a purchase.

Sellers who decide to leave their home for sale need to consider carefully how to enjoy the holidays without making their property less attractive to buyers. 

These real estate tips are timeless, but they can be especially useful during the holidays.

Getting rid of clutter is extremely important during the holidays. Most homeowners, especially those with children, fight the battle of stuff accumulating, and add in holiday decorations and the effect can be overwhelming and distracting for buyers.

Some important tips to make a home appealing to the most number of buyers:

• Keep the entrance simple. A few poinsettias or a strand of holiday lights are enough. This is not the year to break out every blow-up Santa and snowman for a full lawn display.
• Minimize objects that are attributable to a specific religion.
• Keep wrapped gifts in a closet. A few simply wrapped gift under the tree can look nice.
• Update dingy and worn out accessories such as throw pillows, tablecloths and runners, kitchen and bath towels, or eliminate them altogether.
• Use natural items such as pine cones, garland, and plants for decorations rather than lots of sparkling and plastic decorations.
• Never cover an important architectural feature with decorations, even if dear Grandma sent the Santa and reindeer fireplace cover or cards always festoon the mantlepiece.
• Take the kids out for holiday activities such as plays, movies, tree lightings, and ice skating so that they don't miss out on the holiday spirit.
• See if it is possible to host holiday celebrations at a restaurant, banquet hall, or another family member's home this year to minimize the amount of punch bowls, serving platters, and other kitchen items that cannot be stored away.

 Happy Holidays!