Stage for success
Fall is here! With it comes the fresh autumn air, colorful leaves, front porches adorned with pumpkins, gourds and corn stalks—and a great opportunity to sell your home. In fact, you may be surprised to know that more than a quarter of real estate activity takes place in the last several months of the year!
While many properties — especially those in lower and mid-level price points – continue to sell quickly, sellers in ALL price ranges are still competing with one another. Fortunately, a well-staged home can give you a leg up on the competition and help you get top dollar this fall.
Exterior adjustments
First, focus on the exterior. Keep your lawn freshly cut, and rake and bag leaves daily. Play up autumn by using potted plants and flowers like mums, which come in gorgeous hues, as well as pumpkins and other gourds to give a front porch or steps extra curb appeal.
Steer clear of over-the-top seasonal decorations (think scarecrows, mummies, ghosts and goblins) that may turn buyers off and keep them from focusing on the attractive features of your home.
Interior additions
When it comes to the interior of your home, it’s important to keep it cozy but accessible. Remove photos and personal mementos so potential buyers can easily picture themselves and their belongings in the space. To keep your home looking warm and inviting, add soft blankets and pillows to the couch and light the fireplace if you have one.
Autumn temperatures can be unpredictable, so pay attention to forecasts in order to keep your home at a comfortable temperature to create a warm impression with potential buyers. The scents of fall—like apple-scented candles, cider or pumpkin spice—can be a nice addition to a kitchen or living area as well.
Lighting tips
For lighting, the key is to maintain a bright space that doesn’t look stark. During the day, keep your window treatments open to draw in fall’s natural lighting. At night, turn on side table lamps and overhead lights as well.
When it comes to evening showings, don’t forget to ensure potential buyers can easily view your home’s exterior and appreciate its appeal. Turn on pathway lights and other outdoor lights to make sure visitors are sure-footed.