Home staging tips for the winter

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 13/11/2017 (3072 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Although it may seem overwhelming, staging your home doesn’t have to be difficult.
Setting up a warm and inviting space can be done on a budget and it will set your house apart from others on the market. Here are some simple tips to stage your home in the winter months:

• Curb appeal —Keep driveways and sidewalks clear of snow and ice. Make the house-hunting experience as easy as possible for prospective buyers, don’t make them trudge through snow to see your house. Wreaths and planters with evergreens, pinecones and winterberries are a festive, seasonal touch for the front of the house. The exterior décor will add a welcoming touch.

• Declutter and simplify — Clutter-free homes help buyers visualize their lives in your home. Pack up family photos, mementos on the fridge and other personal collections. Store away summer clothes at a friend or family’s place or a storage facility to maximize the storage space in your home.

• Set the ambience — Warm cider on the stove, or bake some cookies for a welcoming aroma. Scented candles will also do the trick! Be sure there is a space or hooks to hang up outerwear. If you’d like people to take off their shoes make sure to put out a sign and a tray for boots and wet shoes.

Fill a basket with slippers from the dollar store for people to use. Keep your home at a cozy temperature so that visitors are comfortable and don’t feel the need to rush. If you have a fireplace, keep it on for the warmth and ambience. Layers also add a level of coziness; be sure to use winter bedding in the bedrooms, throws and pillows on the couches and rugs on hardwood flooring.

• Light and bright — The days are shorter, so why not take advantage of the limited sunlight?
Keep blinds and curtains open for viewings. Make sure windows are clean- inside and out. Keep all the lights on, day and evening, so that all the rooms show at their best and potential buyers don’t need to fumble looking for the switches.

The goal for home staging is to make your house appealing to the widest audience possible resulting in selling your home quickly and for top dollar. Once you set the mood with a cozy and comfortable atmosphere, prospective buyers might just spend a little extra time falling in love with your home instead of thinking about the cold weather outside.

Kim Ewchuk is a licensed sales representative and general manager, Central Canada, for ComFree Commonsense Network broker, member of the Winnipeg Real Estate Board.
Suggest column ideas by email at kim.ewchuk@comfree.com