The winter season makes home staging even more important. If you do it right, you can really make your house stand out.

1. Keep snow and ice at bay. If the buyer can’t get in easily, the house won’t sell. That means keeping walkways and driveways free from the frozen stuff. Just like trimming the lawn in summer, you want to make the home look like it has been maintained. If you are away frequently or live in an area that is subject to bad weather, it can pay to hire a service to regularly salt or shovel the driveway and sidewalks.
2. Warm it up. If you are showing during the winter, think “warm, cozy and homey.” Before a Buyer comes through, adjust the thermostat to a warmer temperature to make it welcoming. Sellers like to trim the temperature down because of heat costs, but Buyers who come in and aren’t comfortable won’t stay long. If you have a gas fireplace, turning it on right before the tour can give the home a little ambiance. With a wood-burning fireplace, you’ve got to be a bit more careful. If the house is vacant, don’t chance it. But if you are still there and will be there during the tour, it can be a nice touch. Many times, Sellers leave right before the agent or prospective Buyers arrive. In that case, adjust the heat to a comfortable level and have the hearth set for a fire. Buyers see the warmth and feel the potential.
3. Take advantage of natural light. Encourage showing during the high-daylight hours. Make most of the daylight you do have. Have the blinds cleaned and open them as wide as possible during daytime showings. Clean all the lamps and daytime fixtures, and replace bulbs with the highest wattage that they will safely accommodate. Before the home is to be shown, turn on all the lights.

To be continued…..