As the mercury dips in Seattle this month, the challenge of staging a home to sell becomes a unique endeavor. Cold weather brings with it the need for a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes potential buyers feel immediately at home. Here are some expert tips and tricks for staging homes during the colder months.
The entryway sets the tone. Ensure it’s well-lit and inviting. Consider a new doormat and removing any left over holiday decorations. We recommend and entryway bench where buyers can sit down and remove their wet and snowy boots before viewing the home. The last thing you want is snow covered boots tracking through the house and all over your home stagers beautiful rugs!
Shorter days and longer nights mean lighting is crucial. Ensure all lights are working and on before any showings. Consider adding floor or table lamps to create a warm glow if you are doing the home staging yourself. Open curtains during the day for natural light and close them during showings for a snug feel.
Add soft, warm textiles throughout the home. Think thick rugs, fluffy throws, and plush pillows. These elements can transform a space into a cozy retreat.
If the home has a fireplace, make it the focal point. Display it clean, and if possible, if you are having an open house a small fire burning during showings for a quintessential winter feel. When we purchased our personal Snohomish property we bought during a cold November winter day, the sellers had a fire going in the wood stove. We opened the front door and it felt like home with the crackling and heat.
Incorporate warmer tones in your decor. Earthy browns are “in” and can add warmth to the space. With our in-house Art Production we have been shifting all of “Reserve” product to feature all of the Earthy browns in the art work of the home. This is super important in Bellevue Luxury Home Staging, especially in Clyde Hill and Medina.
Ensure the home is comfortably warm during showings. A cold interior can be off-putting and distract from the home’s appeal. We at Decorus Home Staging have staged and de-staged homes in Issaquah that had no heat, we had to wear parka and gloves! Not running the heat can damage the home (think burst water pipes!) and all the home staging furnishings. Talk about a bad experience not only for buyers to walk in on, but the seller too!
We specifically require heat in homes we stage to be on during the process, and on during the listing. No seller wants an additional bill during the selling process for damaged couches from mold from not running heat.
If the home has an outdoor living space, show its winter usability. Clear any snow in the outdoor areas of the backyard.
Keep driveways and walkways clear of snow and ice at all times. Ensure that the exterior lighting is adequate for the shorter days. In addition if you are prepping your house for your staging day, if the driveways and walkways are not clear of snow and ice we can’t do our job and will be forced to reschedule the home staging at an additional charge.
All the home staging in the world can’t help if the buyer can’t get to the home let alone walk up to the house.
Staging a home during cold weather doesn’t have to be daunting. With these tips, you can create a warm, inviting atmosphere that appeals to buyers looking for a cozy new home during the winter months.
