Home staging in the winter

Category Real Estate

Home Staging In The Winter: Selling A House In The Off-Season

Home Staging In The Winter: Selling A House In The Off-Season

If you're a realtor who helps your clients "stage" their houses so they appear more attractive to potential buyers, you already know that staging a home can mean quicker sales. Winter is traditionally a slow time of the year for selling, but creative staging can give you an edge to meet the challenges presented by the season.

Banish the "Bleak House" Look

Winter is a time when you really need to think about staging "from the outside in." The first impression that a home makes as potential buyers walk through the gate is crucial. A house that's not well-maintained looks even worse on a gloomy winter day without leafy trees or blooming flower beds to distract the eye from sagging fascia boards or peeling paint. Get started on making a good first impression by making a list of improvements that need to be made to help the house sell.
Depending on your client’s budget, the list should include power washing and/or painting the house, removing moss from the roof, cleaning the deck, and carrying out any necessary repairs on the exterior. Paths and driveways should be free of weeds and swept of any debris. In the garden, leaves should be raked up regularly, especially after a storm. Gutters should be cleaned at least once in the winter and more often if there are storms, or if there are trees close to the house. If the house is vacant, consider installing a high-end gutter guard or leaf filter that will minimize the chances of blocked, overflowing gutters. Put a fresh coat of paint on the front door. And for that final touch on the exterior, add a few planters with seasonal flowers near the entry to draw those buyers in.

Cozy Comfort

Welcome buyers in from the cold, not into the cold. A cold house with a faint dampness in the air is not going to impress potential buyers. Prior to a showing or an open house, turn up the thermostat and if the house has a gas or electric fireplace, turn it on. If the home is vacant, the "turn up the heat" rule applies even more. If necessary, arrange for a professional cleaning, especially if the house has been empty for some time. You can find helpful tips on hiring a cleaning service here: http://www.bizpals.com/articles/sparkling-clean-for-the-holidays-do-you-need-professional-cleaners. Place scented candles or diffusers throughout the home to make sure the house smells fresh and inviting. And yes, it may be a cliché, but a jug of hot cider and a plate of cookies on the kitchen table will add the crowning touch to the warm invitation you want to extend to buyers on a chilly day.

Decorate, or Don't?

If you're showing a house during the holiday season, should you add some seasonal decorations? Yes, but cautiously, should be your motto. In general, faith-based decorations are best avoided. Choose trimmings that are attractive but not overwhelming, and don't put them where they will obscure features of the house. A wreath on the door has universal appeal, but it’s probably not a good idea to put giant plastic reindeer on the roof. Decorate the mantelpiece with a few tastefully placed red bows rather than an enormous banner that hides it from view. For more tips on holiday décor, you can find a useful article on the website of the National Association of Realtors, at http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2012/11/26/are-you-staging-homes-for-the-holidays/.

Cheerful Colors

If you are advising a client to paint or redecorate a house that will be shown during the winter months, consider what color palette would be best. Most stagers believe in using light, neutral shades on the walls because these colors are appealing to most people. But in winter these colors can feel cold so add color and warmth with accessories such as rugs, pillows and throws in colors like red and orange to brighten up rooms on a cloudy day. Adding fresh flowers is another great way to add some color to a room and at very little cost.

On a Lighter Note

One of the simplest yet most effective staging techniques is to adjust the lighting in dark and gloomy rooms. It can make a big difference to the visual appeal of a house, even in the summer. But in the winter, when the days are shorter and grayer, it's essential to have great lighting. In daylight hours, open drapes and blinds as much as you can. Place a mirror opposite the windows to maximize the effect of the natural light. Replace old lamp shades with new white or off-white shades that will enhance the feeling of lightness in a room. Well-placed floor lamps will bounce light off the ceiling and brighten the room. Don't be afraid to use accent lighting. A small table lamp with a pretty shade on the kitchen countertop can add charm to a dreary kitchen or an up-light placed behind an indoor plant can add a little drama to a dull corner of the living room. And don't neglect exterior illumination; make sure that the porch is well-lit and welcoming.
So if you're showing houses in the next few months, don't get the winter blues: get busy staging and keep ahead of the competition!