While we are lucky enough to enjoy the changes of the four different seasons in southwestern Connecticut, the Winter brings in colder temperatures, and much less daylight to work with, besides the wintry conditions that will inevitably occur. The unique set of challenges that occur during this time need to be addressed in order to properly stage your home to show at its best. Don't forget the basics of staging, just add these seasonal suggestions to show your home at its best.
... and remember, buyers do appreciate the effort that you take to make sure your home is in show-ready condition, and you may very well end up getting more money for yoru home because of that little extra effort.
Weather permitting, and preferably before the first snow, clear out any excess fallen leaves from the yard, as well as the gutters. If there are any dead plants, remove them now. If there are tools that are outside, bring themin the shed or garage. Remove any garden hoses and turn the water off for the spigot, if it's not already off.
Who says you can't put flowers out of some kind? Colorful Mums are great in the fall through early December, and small seasonal faux trees in pots look great on your front porch, either with or without lights. A wreath of almost an type on your front door is also quite welcoming. Whatever plant or wreath you choose, please just make sure they are seasonally appropriate.
Are the lights at your front door bright enough? Maybe it's time to change them, add more fixtures, or at least change the wattage on the bulb.
You may not have thought about during the winter, but just go ahead adn go to the rear of your yard and look at your home from the back. If you have a rear deck or porch, put a pot of seasonal plants there, too. At some point during the winter, it will be unforgiving cold. Consider a well made alternative. It is all the seemingly little things that add up and mean a lot.
Make sure your deck and/or patio is free and clear of any debris. You may want to check for any loose planking, screws or nails, and fix wherever appropriate. Clean your deck off completely, and that includes storing the furniture in the garage, shed or basement. When the snow comes, the buyer should be able to walk on a totally clear deck, where the snow has all been removed. Helpful Hint: It is much easier to sweep or shovel off the snow when the deck is completely clear.
Just make sure that it's neat and tidy. If you store your trash cans outdoors on the side of your home, make sure they are as clean as possible. (No scuffs, scrapes or old dirt on the outside)
This is the single most important item on the winter staging agenda. If buyers cannot reach your home due to an snow covered driveway, snow covered walkway and/or porch, they won't come in. Ice is even more treacherous. There are plenty of products on the market that will just about do all the work for you to get that ice removed. If you are away frequently, hire someone to handle ice and snow removal in your absence.
Get the windows washed if you haven't done so recently. Besides the fact that the sun is lower in the winter, and shows every piece of dirt on every piece of glass, the added unobstructed sunlight will add very nicely to your home's appeal.
Think warm and cozy. If the weather outside is frightful, make your home's temperature delightful. (Sorry, just couldn't resist that one) Truly, a warm home is much more comfortable to look at than a cold one. If the buyers aren't comfortable, they will not stay long enough to view your home without just hurrying up to get back into their car where it actually feels warmer.
Take every advantage that you can of the diminished natural light that you get. Clean yuor blinds and curtains and open them as wide as possible. Clean the lamps, and bulbs (just make sure that the bulbs are cool to the touch before you do so). Replace bulbs with the highest wattage allowed for the fixture to add as much light. Put timers on selected lights to be able to have tour home in "light-ready show condition" when you are not home.
Go ahead, set the dinner table. Put out some chocolates, or have a plate of cookies out.
Think about aromas- Cinnamon rolls, freshly baked bread, apple pie, chocolate chip cookies, vanilla or cinnamon- just don't overdo it.
If you have summer or fall photos of the outside, put them out for your buyers to see.
Proper Staging and Guidelines for Home Showings
Staging the Outside of Your Home
How Much Does it Cost to Stage Your Home
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