The winter is the slow season for Real Estate. Generally buyers are just initiating the home-buying process, and are considerably more “selective” due to the fact that they only recently started looking at rentals or sale homes and may not be ready to make a decision right away. Because of this, you need to find ways to capture the attention of those home buyers or renters that are ready to make a decision NOW. Here are some tips for staging your property during the colder months that are sure to improve the quality of your property showings.
1. Make it Cozy and Warm
Before
showing
your property,
adjust the heat
to create
a comfortable temperature.
Potential
buyers who
are
not comfortable in the home won't sick around for a long time. Be
careful
with fireplaces, expecially wood-burning units.
If
the house is vacant, don't take any chances. But if you're still living
there and have the opportunity to get a quaint fire going before they arrive, it can be a
very nice touch.
2. Ensure The Home Is Well-Lit
Encourage
showing during the high-daylight hours. And
make
the most of all
the natural light you can. This means opening curtains
and blinds as wide as
possible.
A
brightly lit house is more welcoming – and adding natural light
will keep buyers comfortable, inciting
them to stay around and look longer. If
the home is vacant, consider timers for the switches so they turn on
when the buyers enter.
3. Make it Smell Delicious
The
showing process is all about first impressions. And one of the
largest turn-offs can be a foul or unfamiliar odor inside a house.
Try to burn candles within the home, or add a nice homey scent if
possible, like the smell of fresh baked cookies. But don't overdo
it. Adding too much aroma to the space can leave buyers wondering
if you're trying to mask something. If you have friendly pets, leave them in
the home, but definitely keep the animals
clean
and odor-free.
4. Set The Mood – with Music
This
might sound a little corny, but it works! Playing music softly in
the background creates the same mood for prospective home buyers as
it does for your normal invited guests. Try something neutral and
soothing, like classical or ambient music. And avoid cranking the
volume up too high.
5. Make It Feel Like a Home
Set
the scene for
happy living.
You
might put a nice throw
on the sofa or draw
back the thick comforter on the bed. Think
“Martha Stewart Living”. You might set out a few family photos,
or set up a nice table setting at the main dining area. Consider
leaving a plate of cookies out, or
bottled water - with
a simple note inviting them to help
themselves. These things will make them feel at home in your space. At the very
least, they'll remember the experience, which is exactly the effect
you're seeking.
6. Wash Your Windows
Buyers
can be finicky. In the wintertime, light from the South can make
even relatively clean windows look dirty, drawing negative
attention
to them.
Avoid
knee-jerk reactions and undue mis-perceptions
about the pride of ownership.
Take the time to clean your windows thoroughly before allowing the
home to be shown.
