As autumn leaves begin to fall to the ground, neighborhoods across the country come alive with the glow of jack-o-lanterns in anticipation of Halloween. For homeowners looking to sell during this spirited season, striking the right balance between festive decor and timeless appeal can be a challenge. While some embrace the spooky season wholeheartedly, an overenthusiastic haunted house vibe might give potential buyers more chills than thrills. On the other hand, a subtle nod to the holiday can create a warm and memorable experience. Follow these tips from real estate professionals to help you decorate without scaring off someone looking to buy your home. “Too much ghoulish distraction indoors will make the buyers feel as if they are touring a haunted home rather than a home for sale,” says David Meek, a top Scottsdale, Arizona Realtor with more than 20 years of experience. Whatever you put outside, make sure it isn’t too scary, as you want your home to look appealing, not frightening. “I would focus on making it more seasonal-based by sticking to a lot of pumpkins, cornstalks, gourds, etc.,” recommends Kevin Lawton, a top Realtor in Bordentown, New Jersey. “You don’t want the decorations to detract from features of the house.” And if you go with pumpkins, it’s a good idea to go with faux, so they don’t rot, smell or attract critters. Bonus tip when thinking about outdoor Halloween decorations: “Avoid being the guy on the block with the inflatable yard decor because it will eclipse your yard sign,” says Meek.1. Stick to decorating the outdoors
…But don’t go overboard
