In the winter, buyers tend to pay more attention to certain areas of a home than they otherwise would when snow isn't falling. Based on buyer feedback and our experience helping sellers prepare their home for sale, here are our top staging recommendations when selling your New Hampshire home this winter:
Declutter
This staging tip is true 12 months out of the year, but especially during the winter and around the holiday season when more items can accumulate. Make sure countertops are cleared of any unnecessary items, same with bathroom vanities.
Make your mudroom or entryway standout
New Englanders love a great mudroom, and if you’re selling in the winter months, now is the time to emphasize this space. More than any other time of year, buyers will notice if it’s easy to take off their boots and hang up coats. Regardless of how large or small your entry space is, make sure you define it and make it usable.
Keep your home at a comfortable temperature for showings
This can be difficult when you are trying to conserve energy costs, but you want buyers to feel comfortable as they view your property. We recommend a temperature around 68 to 70 degrees for showings.
Clear walkways and driveways of snow and ice
Not only is this safer but buyers will pay attention to the amount of work they perceive a home to have for winter upkeep.
Keep decks and patios free of snow
Outdoor home features such as decks and patio space can play a big role in a buyer’s decision to purchase a property. Oftentimes these features can’t be seen in the winter months. If you can, make sure they are visible so prospective buyers can envision using the space during the warmer seasons.
Make sure wood stove and pellet stove areas are tidy
There’s nothing like the warmth from a wood or pellet stove and buyers will pay extra attention to these areas during the winter. Keeping the space organized and tidy will help buyers see all the benefits versus worrying about stacking wood, organizing fireplace tools and cleaning wood dust.
Pay special attention to lighting
During the winter, it’s more likely that a buyer will preview your home after daylight hours. Make sure each room has adequate lighting so a buyer isn’t trying to guess what the space looks like. This goes for outdoor lighting as well! If you have showings scheduled during the evening, have suitable outdoor lighting leading to the entryway and any outdoor spaces you would like them to see.
Use light or white bedding to brightening up bedrooms
This tip works year-round. Keep bedding simple and light to encourage a relaxing, peaceful environment. You want buyers to focus on the useable space in the room, not the pattern of your linens.
Highlight storage spaces, especially for winter gear
If your home has storage space in the garage, basement, or other location for winter gear (snowshoes, skis, etc.) make sure it’s visible and gear is organized. Having a sufficient amount of storage space is almost always a concern for buyers, especially during the winter.
For more real estate recommendations, or if you're interested is selling your home give us a call or send us a text or email at: 603-252-6428, dan@ohgrp.com.
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