Home staging is about transforming a property so that it appeals to as many buyers as possible. A beautiful staging job can help ensure a successful sale at any time of year, but the process comes with some unique challenges during the winter months. One of the best ways to overcome them is by working with a skilled professional.
Talented stagers know how to use paint, furniture, and decor to create warm and inviting home atmospheres once the temperature drops. The aim is always to generate more interest from buyers, which can lead to a quicker and more profitable sale.
Here are five staging tips that the pros use to help homes achieve their full potential in the winter…
1) Brighten up your space
Generally speaking, homebuyers look for houses and condos that feature an abundance of natural light. While there’s less sun during the winter months, there are ways of making these dimmer conditions work in your favour. Consider optimizing your indoor lighting to create a cozy atmosphere that contrasts with the outdoors. Install warm, white bulbs to make your space more inviting, and add light sources in areas that aren’t well illuminated.
2) Declutter
Clutter can pose a distraction to buyers, and most homes accumulate a lot of it when it starts to get cold. Bulky outerwear (such as parkas and heavy boots) also have the drawback of making your closets look less spacious. For these reasons, decluttering may require extra attention at this time of year. Before you start the staging process, be sure to find a place where you can store any belongings that won’t contribute to the clean aesthetic that your stager is set to create.
3) Choose warm neutrals
Staging is all about helping potential buyers envision your home as their own—while also increasing its overall appeal. One of the best ways to do that is by selecting the right shade of paint for your walls. Neutral colours create a blank backdrop, allowing home hunters to imagine their furnishings and decor in your home. Opting for a warmer neutral (like grey-beige, cream, or any hue with golden undertones) will also give your space a homey feeling, which is especially attractive in the winter.
4) Make it cozy
During the colder months, a cozy aesthetic is appealing to the majority of buyers. Luxurious items such as plush blankets, throw pillows, and rugs can add a touch of warmth to any space. Of course, selecting the right pieces is key. A professional stager can help you strike the perfect balance by choosing decor that conveys both comfort and sophistication. Remember, the mental associations that buyers form when they tour a home can have a major impact on whether they decide to make an offer.
5) Don’t forget curb appeal
When you’re preparing a home for sale, the exterior is just as important as the interior. Many sellers believe that winter isn’t a great time to create curb appeal, but they’re wrong. Just as landscaping matters in the spring and summer, a well-maintained yard can help attract buyers in any season. At a minimum, clear enough snow and ice from your property to give it a tidy appearance—and ensure the safety of visitors. Open your curtains or blinds so that the warm light from your home is visible, and don’t forget about decorative details (such as a seasonal wreath for the front door).
Put simply, it’s just as important to stage a home in the winter as it is in the spring, summer, or fall. While there are a few challenges associated with staging at this time of year, a professional with the right expertise can help ensure that your property looks it’s very best during the coldest months of the year.
In any season, staging can generate more interest among buyers and lead to a better selling outcome. Reach out to learn more about what my staging service can do for you.