Winter Home Staging

With the tough housing market, selling your home isn't easy, especially if you have to show it during the winter months. With so many homes on the market in your price range, you have to make your house stand out. Truly, it's got to be the best. Winter listings present some additional problems. Here are a few ideas to help you stage your home during the cold, snowy months:

1. Pay special attention to Winter curb appeal.

• Make sure your driveway is plowed and your walkways shovelled. You want it to be safe to enter your house. Use de-icers if you have ice. Pay special attention to any icicles that might be hanging from you home especially over walkways and doors.
• Hang a wreath on the front door. A winter wreath says "welcome".

2. Once they're in your home.

• Have a large rug or mat at the front door. This will not only protect your floors, but allow potential buyers an opportunity to wipe their feet before entering your home.
• Try baking a batch of cookies or simmering potpourri to give your home a fresh welcoming sent.
• If you have a fireplace, light it. Or if you don't, light a few scented candles around the room.
• Make sure the house is well lit. Open drapes and light every lamp. People want a home that's bright and cheery. Winter presents lighting problems, so add as much light as possible.
• Make bedrooms look cozy and inviting by adding quilts, comforters, and additional pillows to fluff up the bedding and make it warm and inviting.
• With the holidays over, pack aways the Christmas decorations, but it's ok to leave a few items out. A bit of greenery on the mantel and some mini lights will add to the cheery decor.

Making you home cozy and inviting is an appealing way to make potential buyers comfortable. If you can make them visualize just how great it would be to call your house their home, then the chances of selling your home during the cold winter months will be greatly improved.