Actually, I believe the stock market correction will end in late Dec or mid Jan 2015. 

It could even be put inside something decorate and no one would ever know.

Make it something that you can repeat annually like a Chili cook off, or Holiday decorating contest. 

I also stamp the envelope with a decorative stamp you'd get at an arts and crafts store.I've used postcards in the past with very little success, so I stick with letters only.Just remember different markets respond to different mailing techniques.

We rent the summer months through Airbnb and VRBO but the few times that we've allowed someone to rent Sep - Nov or Feb - May, leaving either Dec or Jan open, we've run into trouble.

She convinced my wife to get rid of or hide a lot of stuff, paint the kitchen and dining room the same color and spent $400 or so at Target on a few decorating touches.

If for a rental I would HIGHLY recommend neutral colors, so that the tenants can decorate to their taste.

I also have an art business aimed at making custom art for Short Term Rentals specifically, so if you need decor once you've acquired your property hit me up! 

Each new $800 rent check would suitably encourage me to fix another major item, leaving the most decorative (like flooring and painting) for the end.We agreed to meet on Monday (today) to sign the lease.

She is great with design; choosing furniture, paint colors, decorations, cabinet color/style, fixtures, tile, etc...