Are you looking to sell your home this winter? 

You’ve come to the right place! 

People who look to buy properties during winter are usually serious buyers. They have a sense of urgency and want to close on a property before the year ends. Don’t miss the opportunity to impress winter home buyers by avoiding these home staging mistakes!

Mistake # 1: Going overkill with holiday decorations

Yes! Christmas is an exciting time of year.  But there’s a fine line between stylish/tasteful and unpleasant/overbearing.. Holiday decor can definitely add a feeling of warmth and festivity, it can also highlight the beauty of your home. However, you need to remember that you don’t know the preferences of potential home buyers and too much decor might turn some of them off.

Mistake # 2: A cold home or turning off the heating system

Having a cold home during winter can definitely deter prospective buyers. The cold can distract them from seeing the best features of your house. If you turn off your heating system  when you leave the house, you need to be aware of your open house and private showing schedules so that you can prepare ahead of time. A warm home is an inviting home, especially during winter. Extra points if buyers feel warm and cozy when they tour your house.

Mistake # 3: Not clearing the walkways and entries. 

If you reside in a winter climate chances are you experience snow and ice buildup on your driveway, walkways, and entry points, maybe even some winter muck from boots and shoes. Consider going the extra mile to keep these areas as clean and clear as possible. Buyers see these areas first and have to traverse them as well. Nothing like a slip and fall to start off an open house or viewing to ruin things.

Mistake # 4: Having pets wander around.

Winter time often means your pets will spend more time inside your home. This means added hair, toys, slobber, odors, etc. All of these things are a huge turn off for prospective buyers so once again going the extra mile to keep the place looking spot on and smelling clean as well as caging your pets, having them watched or simply taken with you during open houses and viewings. 

Mistake # 5: Not bringing in enough light

Wintertime also brings reduced day time hours meaning higher potential for low light situations during open houses and viewings. Take every opportunity to bring the maximum amount of light into your home. This could mean going as far as rearranging lamps in areas to brighten a darker room or utilizing a normally unused fireplace to bring a cozy warm light to a space. Brightness and light brings a positive sentiment so make it shine!

Mistake # 6: Not going above and beyond

Go above and beyond to make sure that your home is welcoming, cozy, and just what buyers are looking for. Add extra throw pillows and blankets in your living room, turn on the fireplace, light up scented candles, put away personal items, and always ensure that your house is clean and organized.

Home staging is definitely complicated, but it can be easier if you avoid these mistakes! Of course, your real estate agent should be able to help you overcome these challenges and give you more guidance on how to stage your home better.

Lastly, going above and beyond in every way is advisable. The sale of your home is all about making it look as stunning as possible, you want to make that ideal, comfortable, bright, airy, clean atmosphere. Achieved through a combination of things in conjunction with home staging, and yes it’s understandable if you don’t know the ins and outs of home staging. Take the time to lean on your realtor for advice and recommendations regarding staging and setup. 

Get all this right and you are on the right track to get your home sold! 

If you’re looking to sell your home this winter, I’m the agent for you! Let’s connect at 780-721-5225, or dawn@realestatebydawn.ca.