We’ve talked about home selling strategies like setting the stage with things like removing all personal effects from the home to encourage buyer attachment. Well, if you’re still trying to sell a house around the holidays, Christmas lights are on the naughty list as well.

That’s right, your animatronic Frosty, inflatable polar bear and light-up reindeer could bring you more joy if they stay in the attic this year. Not suprisingly, research shows that 76 percent of prospective buyers are turned off by gaudy over-the-top Christmas decorations outside a home. But get this - 36 percent reportedly objected to gaudy Christmas decorations outside any house in the immediate area. So Frosty and Rudolph aren’t just lowering the appeal of your home, but the entire neighborhood as well! Warren Bright, CEO of propertyfinder.com, the site behind the research study, told England’s Telegraph newspaper:

“At this time of year overenthusiastic adornment of properties is a real problem so home sellers should beware,” Bright said. “Outdoor Christmas lights are perceived as tacky…Decking your home with colourful, flashing lights and tinsel is a big no. Sellers need to know what type of buyer their property would appeal to, and tailor their Christmas decorations accordingly.”