Photos sans decor, then decorate. I like timeless photos but love seasonal decor.  I'm politely honest, some say blunt, but I've never understood the nonsense of PC.

There are pros and cons, and opinions vary.   I think many people should keep in mind,  not everyone on the planet follows the same holidays.  For example, a rounded estimation would be Christianity at about 2.2 billion or 31% of the world population.    When I take a listing, I even suggest that a family remove all pictures, etc.  We want the buyers to be able to envision themselves living in the property, to see it as their home.  Hard to do with little Billy staring at them from a photo or with Santa sliding down the chimney.  But again, opinions vary.

I think it is perfectly fine to carry on living in the home and that includes decorating. However I advise sellers to do it modestly that overloading the house can make it look smaller and can be very distracting.

I think as long as it's not overdone and you have fall over decorations every step you take it's fine. People still live in their homes and should be able to act accordingly without having to worry about PC-anything all the time. 

Decorating for the season is a GOOD THING.

What ever you choose, someone will be offended.

I advise not allowing others this control over your life. 

However, moderation, so the HOUSE can be seen is a good idea.

Keep it to a minimum and keep it tasteful, I say. But if you're still living in the home to totally ignore holidays is ridiculous. You certainly don't want you home to look like Christmas threw up all over the place, but I've never had anyone be offended by tasteful Christmas decorations during the season when showing homes.

I think many people do not mind the home is decorated for the holidays.. Colorful,,,,

Winston, how are you?

My basic philosophy is "All things with moderation."  I balk at NEVER and ALWAYS, and find moderation applies in eating, drinking, conversation, friendships, and especially with decoration.  Whether speaking of dress, jewelry, automobile or home --maderation would be my suggestion.  I live in a subdivision where many homes show no evidence of the holiday, and a few go all out.  Personally, I do very little decoration.  Perhaps a horn of plenty for Thanksgiving, an evergreen tree for Christmas, and an American Flag for Memorial Day, Indepencence Day and Veterans Day.  I enjoy riding around viewing homes decorated for Christmas, and one home draws such crowds that it takes close to 30 minutes to circle through.  A friend at the local power company said the utility bill for December runs in excess of $4,000.  How about laying that utility bill on the kitchen counter during showings.

Definitely!  You have to live your life and celebrate the good times.

A nice looking festive home set up for the season is appealing.  It is reflective on the quality of care the home has received over the years.

I wouldnt worry about the decorations during showings, etc. since like many said, it can make the home feel "warm & loved in"!

However, take the photos you put online before anything is done, when the home is staged (no clutter, no personal momentos, etc.) to get sold.

If you have to take them during the holiday, then the moment the tree is put away, take a new batch of interior shots and upload them!

My rule of thumb- keep it simple. Decorations aren't bad, just put out less than you usually do.  Just like anything else, you don't want anything to distract your buyers. 

Okay I'm answering this one as a seller (I'm downsizing)  I got out my Halloween decorations- all the scary bats, skeletons and witch potions were put in boxes and given to the Salvation Army. I used to have the whole front and livingroom a haunted house. I used the cute jack-o-lanterns, ceramic pumpkins and pumpkin lights on strings. Very toned down Halloween because I want to sell and not scare away someone.

Got my Fall mums, sedum, anise hyssop and witch hazel in my garden

I think when it is done modestly it is OK. Color, scent and music tends to cheer people up. We want buyers to be happy when they are touring the property, howeverr, we don't want to overwhelm their senses.

If home sellers are living in and selling their homes during the holidays, I think it's fine to decorate to your particular tradition. That said, I think decorations should be modest, and not over the top.

This is just like any other time we ask clients to declutter to make it more presentable.  Same goes for holiday decorations some its nice just dont go overboard.

Winston Heverly I'm like "the Donald" - way too much emphasis on PC for me - check some of my early posts in 2006/2007 and you'll see!

I think it is ok, but don't go overboard for any holiday. 

The general rule in the past no to make it too personal. A seller lives in a fish bowl enough keeping a house ready for showings, and you can't please everyone so I wouldn't have a problem with a seller decorating in moderation.

Why not?

Sure, people understand.

Most peopel from foreign countries I have worked with have all been accepting of American culture and holidays, and none of them have ever complained about a Christmas tree, pumpkin, or Easter egg hunt, etc. Sellers just need to know to not try to push their religious beliefs onto others.

Yes, as long as it is not over board.   It also depends on the target market