Realtor® The Philly Team KW Empower
Expert Contributor
If you’re planning on listing your home between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, you’re selling more than a house—you’re selling next year’s holidays on your block. December buyers tour homes after work, so warmth and simplicity win. I always tell my clients to try to look through decor because they are buying the house, not the stuff in the house. However, it’s tough to separate the house from the decor during the Holidays and buyers tend to fall in love with the homes that they feel the most ‘at home’ in, during their tours. Here’s a streamlined, Fishtown-ready plan to get your home ready.
Stoop-to-Entry way Flow
On the façade, small choices carry big weight. Keep the entry intentional: a fresh wreath, a window planter, crisp house numbers, and window lighting. Shovel early (if snowy) and use a brick-safe de-icer. Add lighting or warm bulbs for a soft glow that is welcoming during weeknight showings. Inside the door, declutter the entryway: a slim bench, a hook rail, or a lidded basket for gloves or scarves. Buyers don’t expect a mudroom in all Philly homes—but they do expect a system. This “calm entryway” sets the tone for the entire tour.
Light & Color Do the Heavy Lifting
Winter light in Philly sits low and moody, so create a simple lamp map: ceiling fixtures on low, or recessed lighting slightly dimmed, two lamps in opposite corners, and under-cabinet lighting where you have it. If you’re using LEDs, stick to a warm, flattering tone; it photographs as glow, not glare. Put key lamps on timers so your home feels intentional even if you’re still out in the neighborhood. Pick one holiday palette—greens with brass, or wood with white—and repeat it lightly from stoop to mantel to table. Choose slimmer decor that doesn’t block natural lighting or make things feel too cluttered. Hide cords, keep gifts minimal (if they’re under the tree), and let sightlines to floor condition and ceiling height stay in charge. Pro tip: a mirror opposite the tree bounces light and makes front rooms feel wider in photos.
Prove Function, Not Square Footage
Your goal is to show how the home lives, not how much décor you own. In the kitchen, stage a tiny cocoa tray or something small. You can highlight outlets, counter depth, and hospitality without costing too much space. In the dining area, set two places simply to hint at entertaining potential in ~1,200 square feet. Corral everyday clutter: edit magnets on the fridge, store extra, small appliances, and trim the bar cart to a single bottle and glasses. For coats and boots, think “hotel tidy”—overflow goes in bins or closets, not on display.
Comfort Signals Buyers Feel
Small touchpoints tell your maintenance story. Tighten a loose banister bracket. Swap worn cabinet pulls. Secure any wiggly switch plates. Oil squeaky hinges. Place a soft rug where feet land first. Set the thermostat to a comfortable level—no one falls in love with a cold house. Keep scent and sound subtle: open a window for a minute, use a neutral aroma, and play low instrumental music so conversation is easy. If you have a fireplace, stage it safely: clean glass or screen, a neat stack of firewood, and use battery candles when it’s not in use. Outside, keep the path dry and the lighting steady—no motion-sensors. These quiet cues read as “well-kept,” and “well-kept” leads to offers.
Photo Day, Simplified
Ask for one twilight exterior; warm windows against a crisp sky stand out in December.. Schedule interiors when each room gets its best natural light—front rooms late morning, rear kitchens early afternoon. Hide cords. Simplify décor throughout the home from everyday life. Right before the shoot, wipe fingerprints from glass and stainless surfaces.
My five-minute checklist before any showing:
- Lamps on, overheads dimmed; window candles lit.
- Counters mostly clear; one “scene” only (cocoa tray or greenery).
- Entryway reset: coats trimmed back, shoes tucked, mat dry.
- Quick microfiber pass on glass, faucets, and stainless to make sure things shine.
- Thermostat comfortable; soft playlist queued; pet items discreet.
In a month when inventory is lower and buyers are motivated, a calm, edited holiday vibe can make your home feel bigger, brighter, and easy to love. Want a quick stoop-to-living-room consult? I’m here in the neighborhood—happy to help.
