Maximize Your Home’s Selling Power During Fall and Winter

November 10, 2015

I had a wonderful opportunity to write an article for Condo Confidential Magazine for their fall issue recently. I was asked if I could contribute an article to help homeowners who are contemplating on selling and staging during the cold months.  Let me share some highlights from that article to all of you as well, these are tips to help keep your listing hot during this cold season!

1. Start from your exterior

Wipe down your front door and replace any door hardware that looks old and worn. A fresh coat of paint on the door will also create a welcoming approach for home buyers.Make sure that your driveway and walkways are cleared of snow and ice and salted to prevent accidents. Your home will look well-maintained, creating a great first impression. If you don’t have time to do this, hire a reputable snow removal company.

2. Don’t forget your windows

Most showings occur during the day when sunlight reveals how dirty windows have become. The harsh winter can cause your windows to collect grime inhibiting natural light from shining through. Plan to periodically have your windows washed and cleaned both inside and outside.

3. Lights on

During the winter months, homes can look dark and dreary inside because of reduced daylight. Today’s home buyers are turned off by a home interior that is not bright and light. When showing your home, turn on all of the lights in the rooms. Use floor lamps, table lamps, and ceiling lights to create a bright atmosphere.

4. Take Advantage of Natural Light

Schedule your showings when the sun is at its brightest – between 10 am and 3 pm. Open all blinds and drapes to capture optimal sunlight. If your condo looks dark, it may be because of your window treatments. It’s best to remove heavy ornate drapery that is also weighing down the room. Replace them with sheers or blinds. If privacy is not an issue, let the gorgeous view contribute to your selling success.

5. Make it comfortable and cozy

Take the chill off your buyers by lighting the fireplace if you have one. Place a throw across a chair or couch for the look of added warmth. Use thicker comforters on the beds to create a snug look.

6. Use warmer colours to accessorize the rooms

Warmer colours like reds, oranges, and lighter browns can create a cozy, inviting ambience and are appealing in colder weather. Use pillows, throws, rugs, decorative accents, and artwork that include these colours.

7. Keep your seasonal decorations simple

Don’t go overboard. A welcoming wreath on your front door and some electric candles in the windows make for an inviting approach. Remove any large inflatable decorations from your lawn. If you have strung a multitude of lights on the exterior of your home, you should remove them. When selling, less is more! You want home buyers to focus on your home not your holiday décor.

8. Keep holiday décor non-denominational

Not all potential buyers celebrate the same holidays you do. The less personal you make your home, the better chance the buyers will concentrate on your home and not on any biases. Replace nativity scenes and menorahs with fresh flower arrangements, a decorative bowl filled with ornaments, or a festive grouping of candles or vases.

9. Consider one or two-holiday colour schemes

Using a variety of colours will make your home look cluttered and can also be very distracting to potential buyers.

(Please consider and respect the rules and regulations of your condominium community when adding decorative accessories to the exterior of your unit.)

Selling in the winter months can be challenging, but keep these staging tips in mind to help you maximize your home’s selling power and to get you the hottest offer in the cold winter months!

Click here for the full article from  Condo Confidential Magazine.

Red Barrinuevo | Your Toronto Home Stager

is a Canadian Certified Staging Professional. His professional affiliations include the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) and the CSP. He is the recipient of numerous home staging awards and was picked as RESA’s Top Professional Stager of Canada for 2016. He has worked with hundreds of Real Estate Brokers, Investors, Real Estate Agents, and has helped homeowners showcase their homes at its best when it is time to sell.

As President and Principal Stager of REDESIGN4MORE, Red provides home staging and interior redecorating services for both small and large-scale residential projects throughout Toronto and the GTA. Click here to learn more about Red and REDESIGN4MORE.