Cover story: Overdecking halls may turn off buyers

By Lisa Rauschart
The Washington Times

In many neighborhoods throughout the Washington area, nothing says community more than streetwide decorating, when just about everyone on the block gets together and starts stringing up holiday lights. But decorating for the holidays can take on a life of its own, whether you are coordinating your displays of twinkling white lights with your neighbor or taking a more individual approach with pulsating colors and inflatable snow globes on the lawn.

If, however, you are trying to sell your home, holiday decorating can be a horse - or a reindeer - of a different color. In that case, Realtors say, homeowners seeking to showcase the holiday spirit need to exhibit something else - restraint.

"Keep it simple," says Susan Mekenney of Re/Max in Alexandria, Va. "We tell people to declutter anyway, and holiday decorations are no exception."

In other words, show off your home, not your decorations.

"You want the decorations to embellish the house, not overwhelm it," says Kristie Zimmerman, a Realtor with Avery-Hess Realtors of Northern Virginia. "Overdecorating and clutter may make the house look smaller and be reflected in the purchase price."

Some Realtors, such as Darrin D. Davis, principal broker and owner of Anacostia River Realty in Southeast Washington, caution that any decorating could make the wrong impression.

"I tell people that everyone who comes by to see the house might not celebrate Christmas," Mr. Davis says. "We try to have the houses as neutral as possible."

Story continued at: http://m.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/dec/9/cover-story-overdecking-halls-may-turn-off-buyers/?page=1

ANACOSTIA RIVER REALTY: EAST OF THE RIVER Living.
http://www.AnacostiaRiverRealty.com
2412 Minnesota Ave. SE Suite 204
Washington, DC 20020
202-678-REAL (7325)