The Holidays are here, but you still need to sell.  The house is full of boxes of decoration and your not sure what to put up and what to store back in the attic.  Remember less is more especially during this season.  You want to show your home off, not your decorations.  So here are a few tips.

First Impressions i.e. your curbside appeal are important even when all the leaves are falling off the trees and the grass has gone dormant.  Make sure that you keep the walkways clear of leaves and the yard clear of debris.  Change out the pots at the door with poinsettias or just evergreens.

Keep that front door dust free and welcoming.  The best way to accomplish this is to put a tasteful wreath on it and no other decorations.

Remember that some of those potential buyers could be driving by in the early evening so consider showing your home at its best advantage with Christmas lights.  Remember at night, lights and yard decorations are charming, but during the day they can be an eyesore, so keep these to a minimum also.

Keep your home cozy and bright.  I know in Texas we seldom have really cold days, but the South Texas humidity can make a home seem colder then it is, so keep your home at a pleasant temperature, open up all the curtains and shades to let light in and turn on all the interior lights.  (Be sure those windows are clean!)

Add to the coziness by playing soft holiday music and bake something right before.  I know that this is not always an easy thing since so many of us work, so consider buying a couple of the plug-in scents to spread around the house in a holiday scent.

Again I can not stress it enough less is more.  Keep your tree and other decorations in proportion to your home.  If you feel your home with too many decorations it will appear smaller.

Enjoy the holidays!  It is a time for family and friends.  But remember if you goal is to be out of your house shortly after the first of the year you need to look at your home as an outsider would and really ask yourself if Frosty and the Three Wise Men need to make an appearance on your front yard this year or can they wait and come out next year in your brand new home! 

Don't forget to leave egg nog for your favorite realtor!

Happy Holidays!