Historically, winter has always been a much slower time for real estate than the rest of the year. However, we have seen a number of different changes in the real estate market these past few years, with buyers continuing to look for the home of their dreams after the holidays are behind them.
One of the best ways sellers can give themselves an advantage is to stage their home. It helps potential buyers imagine themselves living in the space, and professional stagers have an eye for the best way to make a home appear as attractive as possible. If hiring a professional staging company isn’t in the cards, that’s okay! Read on for some winter home staging tips that will have your property looking cozy and inviting.
Maintain a Comfortable Temperature
If you’re hosting an open house, make sure you maintain a comfortable temperature for potential buyers and those visiting your home. Set your thermostat to approximately 70 degrees so it doesn’t feel too warm or cold.
Create a Place for Wet Shoes
Whether it’s a water-absorbing mat or a small basket, create a place where buyers can place their wet shoes. The last thing you want is wet or muddy shoe marks on your hardwood floors, carpets, or rugs! It’s a good rule of thumb to have a doormat at every entrance as well so guests can easily wipe their feet before entering.
Up Your Lighting Game
Dark homes certainly do not appeal to most buyers! If the weather is making your home feel darker than you would like, up your lighting game. Adding light to rooms with floor or table lamps can give a very cozy feeling to an otherwise dark space. Keep in mind: the days are shorter right now, and some buyers will only be able to visit your home after the sun goes down. Bulbs that create a warm, soft glow are your best choice. And you can also add a few lit candles around your home for ambiance.
Declutter Your Home’s Exterior
Curb appeal is so important when you’re selling a home! While this can be a bit more challenging during the winter months when flowers aren’t necessarily in bloom, you can certainly enhance the exterior of your home by making sure it looks clean and tidy. Remove any dead leaves, branches, or twigs from your walkways and yards. And if it’s a more significant project than you’re able to tackle, call in a professional landscaper for some help.
This last tip is less about home staging and more about home maintenance. But it’s important nevertheless!
Fix Any Air Leaks In Your Home
This goes back to our first tip about maintaining a good temperature. While you can mostly control your home’s temperature with a thermostat, windows, and doors that are not properly sealed can create chilly spots around your home. And that’s the last thing you want potential buyers to experience! If you have discovered any air leaks in your home, here are some ways to fix them:
- Install foam gaskets behind electrical outlets
- Caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows
- Add pliable sealing gaskets to the bottoms of your exterior doors
I’m a local real estate professional with decades of experience in the Pasadena area. I am available to assist you in buying or selling a home, so please contact me if you would like to schedule a time to discuss your needs. I hope you have a healthy and safe holiday season!