WINTER STAGING TIPS

With winter soon approaching, what do you do if your home will be on the market during the winter season? Here are some tips and tricks to help you get your home sold during this time of year.

• Keep holiday decorations simple and tasteful It’s okay to decorate. For example, white string lights are used year-round both indoors and outdoors. I know I love to put up a Christmas tree, regardless of whether I’m selling or not. It’s okay to put out a single menorah or one Christmas tree that’s decorated in a simple way.
  Just keep it simple. Maybe scale down what you normally do by not putting out too many family or personal items. This goes for any holiday. Another example would be to put out pumpkins, but not jack-o-lanterns, for Halloween.

 

 This Christmas tree is simple enough to be left up when staging a home.

Copyright 2007 by Steven Tom

Make sure walkways, porches and driveways are cleared. This is both for accessibility, so people can see you house, but also for safety. Use salt or sand any time it rains or snows, just in case. The last thing you need is someone slipping and falling on your property.

Minimize the amount of dirt and grime that gets into your house. Spend a bit of time on the entry area. Put a rubber or coir mat outside all doorways, and place one inside the front entry, where buyers will most likely come into your house. While some people think it’s offensive to ask people to take off their shoes, I think the situation is a bit different in winter. Slush and mud can wreak havoc on floors, especially rugs. I don’t think buyers will be too upset if the request is stated in a polite way.

 

Put welcome mats at each entry that guests will use.

Copyright 2007 by McClouds

You can put out plastic booties as well and give visitors the option. They probably won't fit over heavy winter boots, so boots will most likely need to be removed. You can place a small note in the entry that says something along the lines of, “We want to make sure your new home stays clean and in the best condition possible. If you’d prefer to keep your shoes on, please use the booties provided. Thank you for your cooperation. Please take a treat on your way out.” Have the booties available in a decorative basket at the door, and a bowl of candy or other special treat in a bowl next to the note.

Also, provide a decorative container to hold wet umbrellas.

 

Entice guests to linger in your home by offering warm drinks in winter.

Copyright 2008 by Halle Stoutzenberg

Keep the temperature comfortable. If buyers are cold, they will not want to stay long. I know when I’m cold, I have trouble concentrating, as well. You want buyers’ full attention. I would recommend setting the thermostat between 68 and 70 degrees F.

Light the fireplace for open houses or showings. Note: Please only do this if someone will be present at all times (usually the agent) Sellers shouldn’t be there for the open house, unless they are the ones selling the home.

If you have to be home for showings, make yourself invisible. Well, not exactly invisible, but make yourselves as hidden as possible. For example, find a room off in the corner of the home somewhere and read a book or relax. Then leave that room when the buyers are ready to see it.

While it’s best to leave the house for showings, I understand that in the winter, it is sometimes harder for buyers to leave for multiple showings, especially if you have kids and pets. Just have everyone retreat to one room for the duration of the showing. Play some music or watch TV so that the buyers feel more comfortable speaking to each other without wondering if you are listening.

WHAT HOME BUYERS ARE ASKING WHEN LOOKING AT HOUSES

When a potential buyer is touring your home, they are looking for answers to the many questions racing through their minds. Some are conscious, while others subconscious. Certain questions they will pose to the agents or owners, while others will be discussed amongst themselves or even remain unspoken. By knowing what buyers are looking for, you can do your best to make sure your house provides the answers they’re looking for. It's also important to understand the most common real estate terminology, such as comparative market value and short sale.

• Does this home have enough storage space?
• Is the house big enough to accommodate all our needs?
• Are there enough bedrooms for our children?
• Is there enough room for all our needs?
• Is there a separate home office?
• Is there a play space for the kids?
• Is there space for entertaining?
• Do we have space for overnight guests? 
• Is there an open floor plan?
• Is the yard big enough for entertaining or for the kids to play?
• Can we put in a pool?
• Is there a separate space or apartment for renters or in-laws?
• Are there major features that will need to be replaced in the next few years, such as plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, siding?
• Do the kitchens and/or baths need renovation?
• Is the neighborhood safe?
• Do the neighbors take care of their homes?
• Is the home in a good school district?
• Is the home convenient for commuting?
• Is it close to shopping, restaurants, family and friends?
• Is it an attached dwellings or community with an HOA?
•  What are the rules and restrictions?
• Are pets allowed?
• What are the commons fees and what do they include?
• What are the amenities?
• If there is no HOA, what is the condition of the neighborhood? Do residents take care of their home?
• Has there ever been any water damage? Does the home or the yard flood?
• How new are the appliances?
• Is the home being sold for fair market value?
• What did the owners originally pay?
• When do the owners want/need to close? Does it match your family’s time frame?
• How much work does the home need? Is it major, minor, or just cosmetic?
• Is the home a short sale or foreclosure?
• How long has it been on the market? If for a long time, why?
• Why are the owners selling?
• What improvements or upgrades have been done?
• If any improvement or addition was made, did the owners get the appropriate permits and/or CO?
• When was the home built?
• Is the home being sold as-is?
• Is the home in a flood zone or along a quake line?
• Does the home have an historic designation?

These are some of the more common questions. All homes are unique as are the potential buyers, along with their wants and needs -- and therefore the questions they want answered. You need to know your area and your target buyers so you can make sure to stage your home to show off those features buyers want the most.  

Duke University conducted an interesting study on some of the features people consider important when looking at homes. The results can be helpful when presenting your home to potential buyers.

MAXIMIZE SPACE WITH MULTI-PURPOSE FURNITURE ITEMS

Here are some great products that pull double duty in your home. These items are useful for staging because they perform so many functions and take up less space than if you were to have a separate product for each use. But they’re not just for staging either!

• Ottomans You can use ottomans for so many things: storage, a foot rest, a side/coffee table, and extra seating. They come in all sizes, shapes, colors, and materials. The larger ones work great as coffee tables. Here are two examples.
  
  Kinfine Square Tufted Storage Ottoman
  Coaster Storage Ottoman Coffee Table


• Armoires An armoire is an extremely versatile piece. It works in just about any room and for a wide range of purposes. Use it in the bedroom to store clothing. Store your TV in one so that you can close the doors and hide it away when it’s not being used. Make a home office in an armoire so that at the end of the day, you can close the doors and forget about work.
  
  Status Series 400 Armoire
  Sauder Shoal Creek Armoire


• Daybeds A daybed works in a spare bedroom, a den, a family room, or even an apartment or loft. It can serve as extra seating or a bed for overnight guests. Many of them also have storage options underneath, either in the form or drawers or open cube spaces that can hold baskets or bins. Some, like the first example below, have an extra mattress stored underneath the bed.
  
  Black Metal Daybed
  West Elm Window Daybed
  JC Penney Sydney Trundle


• Bookshelves If you have a tall, narrow bookcase you can also use it as a bench by turning it on its side. All you need is a cushion and/or throw pillows. In addition, you can use the shelf spaces for storage. It works great in an entryway to store shoes, or you can add baskets and store hats, scarves, and other items. Use this idea in any room where you want extra seating and/or storage.
  
  Window Seat Bookshelf


• Sectional Sofas When you are staging a home, it often helps to remove extra furniture from rooms that feel crowded or where placement blocks traffic flow. With a sectional, you can break up the pieces in multiple ways. That way, you can put some pieces in other rooms or into storage.
  
  Pottery Barn Ultimate Sectional


• Flip Up Coffee Tables These tables come in so many styles, sizes, materials, shapes, and colors. They work great in homes that don’t have space for a separate dining room. These tables provide storage options for items like remotes and magazines, keeping them organized and out of sight.
  You can use them in place of a dining table for quick meals or as a desk for bill paying and homework.
  
  Turner Lift Top Coffee Table


• Modular Storage Cubes These are usually part of a system that offers various cube styles, including some that are open, some with doors that open either sideways or up (like a garage door), and others with drawers. For the open cubes, you can store items directly in them or add decorative baskets to hold smaller items. Some cubes have a back to them, while others are open. This example below shows a sample that uses various cube options. You can add or reorganize as your needs change.
  
  Foremost Modular Storage System 
  
  Here’s another modular system from Pottery Barn.
  Pottery Barn Modular Bath Storage


• Nesting Tables or TV Trays. Both are great for staging, as well as everyday use. They can serve as end tables, night stands, or be placed anywhere you need a small table, such as an entryway. Nesting tables are good for small spaces because they give you extra surfaces but don’t take up extra space.
  Here are a few nesting tables.
  
  Granger Reclaimed Wood Nesting Tables
  4D Concepts 3-Piece Nesting Tables
  Winsome Wood Xola Nesting Table
  
  Tray Tables also come in a range of sizes and styles.
  Bay Shore Collection 5-Piece Espresso Tray Tables
  Pier 1 Ishtar TV Tray Set

A final idea is to repurpose older cabinets. If you happen to be replacing kitchen cabinets, you can reuse the ones you remove in a number of ways. For example, install them in the garage or laundry room to offer better organization. It's very inexpensive to update them with new paint and hardware.

When staging a home, you want to make sure you show buyers how to utilize the spaces in your home. Some of these you'll have, while others you can find inexpensively at thrift stores or garage sales. You can even use the money you make from selling items you don't need once you declutter your own home. These products can help you do just that. In addition, they will work just as well for you when you move into your new home. 

Finally, if you are staging a rental, these are perfect ways to show potential renters how to maximize the often limited space in apartments.

TOP PAINT COMPANIES THAT OFFER ECO-FRIENDLY OPTIONS

 

You have already cleaned and decluttered your house. Now you are ready to neutralize the décor. If you are like most people, selecting paint colors is very confusing and overwhelming, even when not selling a home. Here are a few of the more popular paint manufacturers and some suggestions for collections from that company.

There are way too many colors to list here. Just keep in mind that darker, richer colors are best used as accents, while lighter or medium-toned colors can be used in larger amounts. Remember too that light doesn’t mean just white or beige. There are plenty of shades of blue, green, gold, orange, and brown that work great for staging.

I selected paints that are low or zero-VOC. Most of these manufacturers may offer other lines that are also low or zero-VOC. With any paint, it’s important to note that certain colors in a zero-VOC paint line may not be zero-VOC. Always ask first.

1. Sherwin-Williams: I love the HGTV Home Collection from Sherwin-Williams. You can pick a theme and all the colors in that category work well together, so you can mix and match with confidence. Good choices for staging are the Neutral Nuance and Coastal Cool themes. Most of the colors in the HGTV Home Collection are zero-VOC.


2. Valspar: Valspar Ultra is a great choice because this is paint and primer in one. It is zero-VOC, and stain and mildew-resistant.


3. Behr (from Home Depot): Behr Premium Plus Ultra is also paint and primer in one. It’s mildew-resistant and has a stain-blocking formula. Many are zero or low-VOC.


 
Behr offers many low or no-VOC paint lines.
Copyright 2010 by Anne Hornyak 




4. Olympic: Olympic Premium is a zero-VOC formula that’s available in any color. It’s stain resistant.


5. Benjamin Moore: Benjamin Moore Natura is a no-VOC line of paint. There are an unlimited number of colors available. It’s 100% acrylic.


6. Glidden: Glidden’s Brilliance Collection 2N1 is paint and primer in one. The paint is mildew-resistant and either low or zero-VOC.


 
 This paint and primer in one makes painting easier.
Copyright 2011 by Dawn Camp




7. Yolo Colorhouse: All paints made by this manufacturer are zero-VOC. They are available online, as well as at certain retail stores. Check their website to find local retailers.


8. Mythic: Mythic Paints are also all zero-VOC. They are stain-resistant. Paint can be purchased online or at select retailers. To find a local store, visit their website.


 
All Mythic paints are zero-VOC.
Copyright 2008 by Reader of the Pack


9. Dutch Boy: Dutch Boy Platinum and Dutch Boy Refresh are both zero-VOC paints. Platinum is paint and primer in one. Refresh is mildew-resistant.


10. Pratt & Lambert: Pro-Hide Green Interior Latex is zero-VOC. Visit their website to find a local retailer.

All of these companies offer a wide range of colors that work great for staging your home. Also, many retailers will match colors, either from another manufacturer, a paint chip, or an object you bring in, such as a blanket. Painting is one of those inexpensive staging tips that can give you a great return on your investment.

HELPFUL STAGING PRODUCTS

Selling a home can be time-consuming and stressful. Here are some helpful product suggestions. Some are practical, while others are fun extras.

• Battery-Powered Candles
  I highly recommend these for home staging. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, both scented and unscented. Most come with timers, and some even come with a remote control.
  I use these all the time, even though I’m not selling my home. I find them safer to use than real candles, especially if you have pets or kids. I have birds. They are fascinated with the flame, and love to throw things on the floor. These candles are much safer. The ones I have purchased look very realistic. Candles are also especially useful when staging during colder months. They look great in the entry to welcome buyers, especially during colder months.
  
  
   
  Flame-less or battery-powered candles are safer when staging a home.
  Copyright 2010 by BarbaraLN
  
  
  
  
  
  Here are just a few examples.
  • Gerson Company Everlasting Glow Flameless Ivory Wax Candles with Drip Effect, Set of 3
  • Flameless Candles -- Ivory Pillar Candles with Timer Remote Control, Gift Set
  • Orange Distressed Pumpkin Set of3 with Timer
  • Helsinki Outdoor/Indoor Flameless Candle Lantern with Auto Timer Option 
  
  
• Cleaning Wipes
  There are great for quick cleanings before showings. The first one is a set, but you can also buy them individually. The second is an eco-friendly option.
• Clorox Cleaning Wipes
• Seventh Generation Wipes


• Wicker Basket with Handle  
  
   
  Wicker baskets are easy to find and come in so many styles and sizes.
  Copyright 2009 by Peter J. Bellis
   

Keep one of these in major rooms to allow for quick clean-ups each day. Simply use the basket to collect any wayward items that belong in other rooms. At the end of each day, pick up the basket, and return the items to their proper location.
This simple 5-minute technique is much quicker than waiting to do it once a week, or rushing to do it before a showing. Baskets come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. Most are decorative as well. I happen to prefer the wicker ones. Here is just one example.
Wald Imports 20-Inch Willow Basket with Handle

• Cleaning Caddy
  Keep all your cleaning supplies in one place by investing in one of these containers. They range from a basic caddy to versions with specialized compartments. I find I’m much more likely to clean if I have quick and easy access to my supplies. In addition, you can carry the caddy from room to room.
  
  • The Container Store Cleaning Caddy
  • The Container Store Cleaning Caddy with Lid

• Open House and Showing Bag
  To make leaving the house for showings and open houses easier, have a bag that’s ready to go with anything you might need. This can be just about any type of tote bag, backpack, or even a small suitcase with wheels. It depends on your preference and the size of your family.
  
   
  These are just one option for a grab-and-go bag. 
  Copyright 2012 by Wm J. Mills
  
  
  What you pack will also depend on your family’s needs. If you have kids, you may want to keep juice boxes, snacks, and a few toys or games in there. For adults, maybe all you need is books or magazines, bottled water, snacks, and anything else you need to make your time away less stressful.
  
  • Here’s one option, a simple tote bag. I own a couple of these and I love them. It is available in several colors.
    Zipper Travel Sports Bag
  • Here is a cross between a suitcase and a bag.
    Olympia Rolling Shopper Bag with Wheels
  • Finally, here’s a small suitcase on wheels.
    Travel Suitcase on Wheels with Extendable Handle

Candies
We all like getting things for free. And who doesn’t love sweets? Plus, anything that makes buyers linger in your home is great. For sanitary reasons, only use candies that are individually wrapped. An alternative is to make your own bags of non-wrapped candies, such as M&Ms. Avoid any setup where hands are touching the edible portions. Even a bowl of mints with a spoon is not recommended.
A few good candies to use are Starburst, Hershey’s Kisses, Hershey’s Mini Bars Assortment Pack, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups (miniatures), or individually wrapped packages of M&Ms or Skittles. Make sure to get some that you love too, just in case there happen to be “extras.”

 

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are a great option because they're individually wrapped.

Copyright 2008 by KEF08

A fun, but slightly pricier idea, is to get personalized labels for candies. These are common as favors at weddings or showers. Or, purchase personalized M&Ms and put them in little bags.
Personalized M&Ms
If you want to get personalized candy labels, there are many sites that offer this service, or you can make them yourself. Here’s one site that makes them.
iCandy

Personalized Water Bottles
Purchase inexpensive bottled water and add your own labels. You can include information about your home, such as the website of your listing, or your agent’s contact information. You can purchase pre-made labels or make your own, either on the computer using label sheets, or by purchasing blank labels and handwriting the information yourself.
Here’s one company that makes labels for just about anything.
Bottle Your Brand

These are just a few products that I find either useful and practical, or just fun when selling your home. Use these ideas to generate others that might work for you and your situation.

OPEN HOUSE CHECKLIST

 

You’ve spent all that time staging your home. Now open house day is here. Use this simple checklist to make sure your home is ready for show time! Home staging statistics illustrate that how you present your home not only impresses buyers, but increases your chance of a quick, successful sale.

• Turn on all the lights.
  This includes lamps, overhead fixtures, and even decorative lighting.


• Open all window treatments.
  You want to let in as much natural light as possible.

 

This well-lit kitchen will be appealing to buyers.

Copyright 2009 by Sitka Projects, LLC

• Make all the beds.
  Straighten the pillows and blankets too.


• Empty garbage cans.
  Have one bag and go around and empty cans in the bathrooms, bedrooms, and especially the kitchen.


• Play soft music.
  This is something extra and not essential if you don’t have the necessary equipment.


• Put away laundry.
  Make sure dirty clothes are in the hamper and not on the floor.

Laundry rooms should not have dirty laundry on display.

Copyright 2010 by Maegan Tintari

• Take pets with you, if possible.
  This is mostly for larger animals, such as dogs. Cats usually hide anyway. Birds can stay in their cages. It might be a good idea to take reptiles or other exotic pets with you because they can scare or turn off some buyers.  

 Ellie loves to go for walks during open houses!

Copyright 2012 by Sarah Hudak Davis

• Put out fresh flowers or fruit.
  Another option is plants. These are easier because they last longer and don’t need to be replaced.

Fresh flowers always add a nice touch.

Copyright 2009 by Amie Fedora

• Wipe down sinks.
  Keep a box of cleaning wipes in the kitchen and each bathroom for quick clean-ups in between major cleanings.


• Sweep and/or vacuum floors.
  Once you do a major cleaning during the staging process, you won’t need to spend too much time on this.


• Give bathrooms a quick cleaning.
  Again, use cleaning wipes for the sink and shower/tub. Buy a disposable toilet wand to clean the toilet bowl. And always keep the toilet seat down!


• Straighten blankets, throws, pillows, and towels.
  If you have them, put out a decorative set of towels reserved for showings.


• Make sure the temperature is comfortable.
  A good average temperature is 68-70°F.


• Open the windows, if possible.
  There is nothing better than the smell of fresh air.


• Light the fireplace.
  Only do this once your agent arrives. Never leave candles or fires unattended, even for a short time.

Everyone loves the warmth of a fireplace -- even this cat.

Copyright 2008 by Cyrus Bulsara

• Turn on candles if you have them.
  Notice I said “turn on.” I recommend using the battery-powered candles only. It is very easy for a flame to catch a buyer’s clothing, or for someone to accidentally knock the candle over. Most flameless candles come with timers too.


• Leave the house.
  Buyers feel uncomfortable when the sellers are there. They feel like they are intruding and may not look at the house as carefully as they would if the owners weren’t around. Would you want to open cabinets and closets if the owners were there? Buyers will also be hesitant to speak freely because they don't want the owners to overhear them.

Use these tips not only for open houses, but for all showings. The only exception would be lighting the fireplace. Again, only do this if you or the agent will be present the entire time. If you want to test your knowledge about how much you know about staging, take the quiz at Home Staging Quiz: How Much Do You Know?