Are you wondering how to stage your home during the holiday season so it attracts more buyers and sells faster in the Houston winter market?
Many sellers search for this exact guidance as they prepare their homes for listing in November, December, and early January. At The Jamie McMartin Group, led by Jamie McMartin, we understand how important thoughtful presentation is, especially during a season when buyers are still active but schedules, daylight, and market conditions shift quickly. As trusted Houston Realtors and real estate agents, we’ve helped countless sellers navigate the holiday season with staging strategies designed specifically for Houston-area homes.
Staging during the holidays requires the right balance. Sellers want their homes to feel warm, inviting, and seasonal, without overwhelming buyers with décor or limiting who the home appeals to. Below, we’re sharing expert home-staging tips tailored for selling a home in Houston’s winter market, all while staying compliant with fair housing standards, advertising guidelines, and ethical real estate practices.
Why holiday home staging matters in the Houston real estate market
Staging always matters, but during winter, it can make an even bigger impact. While Houston doesn’t experience harsh winters, the holiday season affects buyer availability, showing schedules, and buyer mindset. Homes that feel bright, warm, and move-in-ready stand out even more.
At The Jamie McMartin Group, we’ve seen holiday staging help:
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Highlight a home’s best features
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Create emotional warmth during a cozy season
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Appeal to buyers who value comfort and atmosphere
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Make a listing stand out against competing homes
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Help buyers envision themselves in the space
Buyers in Houston and Katy remain active during the holidays. With the right staging, sellers can make a stronger impression and attract motivated end-of-year buyers.
Keep holiday décor clean, minimal, and inclusive
Holiday décor can create an emotional connection, but too much of it can distract from the home itself. And as real estate professionals, we must always avoid anything that could be interpreted as exclusive or targeted toward specific groups.
Keep décor simple
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Stick to neutral colors like whites, greenery, silver, and gold
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Choose décor that enhances (not hides) your home’s features
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Use soft, warm lighting to create a welcoming feel
Avoid overly personalized decorations
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Skip themed ornaments, family name signs, and custom décor
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Keep religious décor minimal and neutral
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Ensure all décor appeals broadly to any potential buyer
Highlight, don’t hide features
Buyers want to see:
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Windows
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Fireplaces
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Built-ins
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Staircases
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Architectural details
Décor should accent a space, not block visibility or flow.
Maximize light in every room
Winter means shorter days in Houston, which makes lighting extra important for selling quickly.
Our lighting tips
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Open blinds and curtains during every showing
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Replace dim or broken bulbs
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Use warm, bright bulbs for a cozy glow
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Add extra lamps in dark corners
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Use soft white holiday lights sparingly for ambiance
Bright rooms feel larger, cleaner, and more inviting, major selling points in the Houston real estate market.
Create a cozy, seasonal atmosphere (without overdoing it)
Buyers naturally gravitate toward warm and comfortable spaces during the winter months. At The Jamie McMartin Group, we encourage sellers to tap into the season’s charm, but with moderation.
Easy ways to add seasonal warmth
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Soft throw blankets and neutral pillows
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Fresh garlands, wreaths, or simple greenery
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Subtle seasonal scents (pine, vanilla, cinnamon, never strong or artificial)
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A comfortable indoor temperature during showings
These small touches make a home feel inviting and help buyers imagine themselves settling in.
Keep spaces open and clutter-free
Holiday décor can quickly overwhelm a home. Clutter makes rooms feel smaller, which is the opposite of what buyers want.
Decluttering tips for the holiday season
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Limit décor to a few intentional pieces
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Keep countertops clear
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Remove unnecessary furniture to create open flow
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Store wrapping supplies, extra ornaments, and unused décor
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Remove personal photos and highly specific items
When selling a home in Houston, open spaces make a powerful impression, especially in listing photos.
Showcase your home’s best winter features
Every home has assets that shine in cooler weather. While we avoid making claims about performance, sellers can still highlight desirable features.
Features worth showcasing
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Fireplaces (gas or wood-burning)
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Outdoor living spaces with lighting or heaters
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Newer HVAC systems (without promising cost savings)
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Energy-efficient windows
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Cozy breakfast nooks or reading corners
When buyers can picture themselves enjoying the home year-round, they are more likely to feel connected to the space.
Don’t forget the exterior: winter curb appeal matters
Houston winters are mild, but grass can fade and landscaping can lose its vibrancy. First impressions still matter, especially for drive-by buyers and online photos.
Winter curb appeal tips
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Power wash driveways and walkways
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Replace mulch and tidy up flower beds
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Clean gutters and remove fallen leaves
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Add simple seasonal plants like evergreens
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Use neutral, minimal exterior décor
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Replace worn welcome mats
A well-maintained exterior signals pride of ownership, which Houston buyers always appreciate.
Capture the season in your listing photos
Holiday staging can elevate listing photos when done tastefully. But timing matters, especially if your listing may extend into January.
Listing photo tips
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Use subtle, timeless décor that won’t date the photos
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Avoid anything tied to specific holidays
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Take listing photos before adding extensive décor
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Remove seasonal items immediately after photography if the home may stay on the market longer
At The Jamie McMartin Group, our photographers know how to capture Houston homes beautifully during winter months.
When in doubt, keep it clean and simple
A well-staged home feels warm, spacious, and neutral. When decorating for the holidays, remember:
Less is more. Warm is welcome. Neutral is powerful.
If you’re unsure how to strike the right balance, our team at The Jamie McMartin Group is always here to help. We offer customized staging guidance to help your home shine in the Houston winter market.
Ready to sell your home in Houston this holiday season?
Selling a home during the holidays can be incredibly successful with the right staging and marketing strategy. At The Jamie McMartin Group, led by Jamie McMartin, we specialize in helping homeowners prepare, stage, price, and present their homes for maximum impact, even during the busiest time of year.
If you’re thinking about selling your home in Houston or Katy, we’d love to support you every step of the way.
Contact The Jamie McMartin Group today to schedule a personalized consultation with our Houston real estate experts. We’re here to help you move forward with confidence.