Without the help of bright sunny days and blooming flowers experienced in the spring, staging a home in winter requires different strategies. Home sales tend to slow down in the colder months, so to successfully make your home stand out, try using some of these expert staging tips:
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Emphasize Coziness
The key to successful winter staging is to evoke a sense of warmth and comfort. You want the potential buyer to imagine your home as their very own winter retreat where they can enjoy the colder months. Start by adjusting your lighting; soft, warm lights can make rooms feel more inviting during the darker winter days. Place unscented candles around the home, especially on coffee and side tables, and arrange carpets around common areas.
Elevate the coziness factor by setting up a hot beverage station in the kitchen, offering guests easy access to coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Providing some tasty treats, like cookies or even a comforting bowl of soup, can further impress your guests.
Turn Up the Heat
Nothing says winter comfort like a warm fire. If you have a fireplace, make sure it’s clean and functioning. A lit fireplace during showings can be a charming feature. For homes without a fireplace, emphasize warmth through thick, plush throws on sofas and warm-colored decor. You may also want to turn the thermostat up a degree or two more than usual to ensure your guests are comfortable, but be careful not to overdo it.
Highlight Seasonal Features
If your home has features that are beneficial in winter, like a mudroom for storing boots and coats, or an efficient central heating system, make sure these are well-presented and highlighted during showings. This is a great time to showcase more entertaining features too like a games room for cold nights inside or a cozy reading nook.
Use Scents and Sounds
Engage the senses by introducing subtle winter scents like cinnamon or vanilla. Soft background music like jazz or piano can also add to the ambiance. However, be mindful to keep scents and sounds neutral and not overwhelming.
Showcase Energy Efficiency
With the cost of heating rising, energy efficiency is a significant selling point. If your home has energy-efficient windows, insulation, or a high-efficiency furnace, make sure this information is available to potential buyers.
Have more questions about selling your home this winter? Give us a call today! From staging to financing, one of our experienced real estate agents can help guide you through the home-selling process.
