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Autumn into Winter home staging is all about adding warmth and creating a clutter-free inviting space. So today we’re sharing with you how to ensure your home is ready for potential buyers to visit during the cooler seasons. And even if your home isn’t on the market at present, these tips can still be utilised to create a smart and tidy dwelling for all the family.
Kerb Appeal
We know we mention this in every home staging blog but we cannot emphasise enough that first impressions really do count when it comes to selling your home. From the moment potential buyers arrive at your home they should be met with the WOW factor.
- Making sure your driveway and front garden are kept free of those pesky fallen leaves is going to be constant job at this time of year but worth it.
- Wipe down your front door, it’s frame, and any nearby window frames, and make sure any paintwork is clean and free of flakes.
- An autumnal wreath in rich gold and orange tones or perhaps one with a subtle nod to the upcoming festive season (holly, mistletoe, pine cones would all work well here) would add the perfect finishing touch to the outside of your property.
Harmonious Hallway
At this time of year it’s easy for hallways to become the dumping ground for coats, muddy boots and wellies, however when you’re about to welcome a prospective buyer, make sure the area is clean, clutter-less and free from any rogue leaves!
Scent-sational!
As well as making your home look appealing to the eye, let’s not forget the part that smell plays in our decision making. Use candles and diffusers to fill your home with seasonal fragrance. Choose clean, fresh scents, or maybe warming pumpkin, cinnamon or gingerbread. Avoid anything too overpowering and if in doubt, invest instead in one or two good quality candles with a more subtle fragrance.
Soft Focus
As the darker evenings begin to draw in, use lamps and maybe even strands of fairy lights to illuminate your rooms. Avoid using cool white bulbs where possible as these give off a harsh, sterile light. Instead switch to warm white bulbs to give each room a cosy atmosphere.
A Little Autumn TLC
Home staging is all well and good, but autumn is also the perfect time to tackle those practical jobs that help keep your home in tip-top condition throughout the colder months.
Give your boiler some attention. If your annual boiler service is due, now is a good time to arrange it. Check your heating is working properly before the really chilly weather arrives, and bleed radiators if they’re cold at the top. It’s much better to spot a problem now than when you’re reaching for every blanket in the house!
If you have a live fire, make sure the chimney is swept and the hearth is clean. Arrange logs in your hearth and maybe add a sprinkle with pine cones. If you have a log burner ensure the glass is clean and any ashes are emptied. Again arrange with a display of logs
Clear those gutters. Falling leaves might look pretty on the ground, but they’re less helpful when they’re blocking your gutters and downpipes. Clear away any build-up and check that rainwater can drain away properly. If the job requires ladders or working at height, use a suitable professional.
Check for draughts. Take a look at the seals around windows and doors and deal with any obvious gaps. Simple draught-proofing can make rooms feel more comfortable and help stop precious heat escaping.
Keep condensation at bay. With windows closed more often, condensation can become a problem during winter. Use extractor fans, ventilate rooms regularly and wipe away moisture from windows. If you spot persistent damp patches, mould or signs of a leak, investigate the cause rather than simply treating the surface.
Don’t forget the outside bits! Even though the weather has cooled, your buyers will still want to see how they can make the most of your garden. If you’re able to, leave any garden furniture out, check outdoor lighting works for those after-dark viewings, and make sure your pots and borders are tidy and free from fallen leaves and faded summer flowers. It’s also worth protecting vulnerable outdoor taps and pipes before temperatures drop below freezing.
We hope you found this guide helpful, but if you feel your home styling would benefit from an experts opinion, we offer home staging as one of our services and we’d love to help. Please get in touch with us on 0121 362 7878.
Images Courtesy of Magnific
