By Sean Colón
The holidays in Arizona bring out vibrant lights, desert wreaths, and festive front yards, but when it comes to selling a home, less is often more. As an Arizona real estate photographer, I’ve seen how holiday decor can elevate or distract from a listing’s appeal. In a competitive market where online visuals drive first impressions, helping clients strike the right balance between warmth and restraint can make the difference between a fast sale and a lingering listing.
Finding the Sweet Spot: Festive but Marketable
A touch of holiday decor can create emotional appeal, but over-decorating risks making a home feel cluttered or even dated once the season passes. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 97% of buyers use the internet to search for homes. That means every photo counts. When potential buyers scroll through listings on Zillow or Realtor.com, too much decor can obscure architectural details or make spaces feel smaller than they are.
Encourage clients to think of holiday decor as a supporting element rather than the star of the show. Warm white string lights, a minimalist tree, or subtle garland can create a cozy atmosphere without overwhelming the space. Homes that balance holiday spirit with broad appeal photograph better and attract more interest.
Another way to approach a client who over-decorates is to capitalize on the opportunity to really push that listing to the public through social media ads and local marketing. Perfect timing in combined with getting the listing in front of the right sets of eyes could really spark to the emotional decision buyers tend to make when purchasing a home. The trick is getting them to picture themselves celebrating the holidays with loved-ones in their new space.
The “Don’ts” That Can Cost a Sale
Some decor decisions can unintentionally turn off buyers or even date the listing. Avoiding these pitfalls can keep a home looking timeless across the season.
Common missteps include:
Personalized decor: Family stockings, personalized ornaments, or religious symbols can alienate buyers who struggle to visualize themselves in the home.
Oversized or animated decorations: Large inflatables or flashing lights dominate photos and can make a yard feel smaller.
Heavy color themes: Strong reds and greens reflect poorly in photography, often distorting the natural light and color balance in interior photos.
Covering architectural features: Draping garland over stair rails, fireplaces, or built-ins hides the very elements that make the home marketable.
In Arizona’s winter light, bold colors can appear even harsher in photographs. Neutral decor and warm tones photograph beautifully under the natural desert sun, helping listings feel modern and inviting.
The “Do’s” That Make a Listing Shine
Encourage clients to view decor as a marketing tool rather than a tradition to be sacrificed. When thoughtfully done, subtle holiday styling can enhance a home’s charm.
Smart staging ideas include:
A wreath or garland made from Arizona greenery, like eucalyptus or succulents, for a regional touch.
Soft lighting elements: string lights or candles to create ambiance during twilight photography sessions.
Minimalist table settings that convey lifestyle appeal without clutter.
A simple tree with coordinated ornaments that complement the home’s interior palette.
These touches highlight warmth and sophistication without overwhelming the listing’s key features. You can recommend professional staging services or offer to coordinate with a real estate photographer to ensure decor enhances, rather than detracts from, the final visuals.
Navigating Client Conversations About Holiday Traditions
Discussing decor can be delicate, especially for sellers who associate decorating with family traditions. Realtors can frame this discussion around marketing strategy rather than personal preference. Suggest that scaling back holiday decor is a short-term adjustment for a long-term gain: more interest, more offers, and possibly a quicker sale.
Using phrases like “photography-ready” or “buyer-friendly” helps depersonalize the conversation while reinforcing your expertise. You can also share examples of before-and-after listing photos to illustrate how small decor changes dramatically improve visual appeal. And hey, I don’t mind being the “bad guy”. Let them know your trusted photographer knows what looks best and uses a less-is-more approach to decor.
Why Professional Photography Matters More During the Holidays
Holiday listings often face reduced inventory competition but a shorter attention span from buyers. High-quality real estate photography helps listings stand out during this window. Twilight photos, in particular, can highlight seasonal warmth without emphasizing holiday decor.
According to Redfin, homes with professional photography sell up to 32% faster and command higher prices than those without. By pairing subtle seasonal decor with expert photography, realtors can market listings that feel both festive and timeless.
For a deeper dive into visual strategy, you can explore my earlier blog, “Zillow’s Next Move in Arizona: What Realtors Must Know Heading into 2026,” which covers how evolving digital tools and listing visuals impact buyer engagement.
Keeping Listings Fresh in the New Year
If a home remains on the market into January, outdated decor can signal staleness to new buyers. Encourage clients to schedule photography early in the holiday season or plan for quick decor removal once the holidays pass. This ensures that updated photos reflect the new year’s energy and keep the listing relevant.
Wrapping Up the Holiday Season with Strategic Visuals
Holiday decor can help a home feel warm and inviting, but only when it’s balanced with the visual priorities of real estate marketing. Realtors who help clients see this balance—and collaborate with a skilled real estate photographer—position their listings to perform better through the holidays and beyond.
If you want to elevate your Arizona listings with professional photography that highlights seasonal warmth without distraction, you can reach out through my website. I’d love to help your next listing shine in its best light.
And if you’ve had memorable experiences selling homes during the holidays, share them in the comments below. How do you guide clients through the festive season while keeping their listings market-ready?
By the way, I help realtors improve their online and social media presence by providing beautiful photos of their listings. That is why I’ve created this FREE HOME PREP LIST for your clients to help your listings look their best. Feel free to share.