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Have you been outside for a walk in the last couple of days? The wind has really come up, and there’s a distinct chill in the air! Brr!
This reminded me that I wanted to share some thoughts on showing your home, if the season is changing. When we show in the summer, we focus a lot on gardens, pools, patios…all of those wonderful outdoor spaces that homeowners crave. Even in condos, I recommend staging the balcony to ensure there is another “room” prospective buyers can admire during their viewing. As seasons change, though, how your home shows must change as well.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that you should give up on curb appeal. What’s going on outside is an introduction to your home. You definitely want to have some pretty autumn flowers or pumpkins on your step, if your home has one. Maybe a wreath of autumn leaves on the door. And some carefully-placed mums or other pops of colour in the garden, where perhaps the summer beauties are beginning to fade. On that balcony I mentioned, tidy up the pots, and again, pop in a few bits of colour, making sure everything is welcoming and bright. Cushions and accessories should start leaning to an autumnal colour scheme.
The other big change that begins around now, is that the feeling inside the home should evolve as well. While summer décor tends to laid-back, cool, pale, with pops of brightness here and there, seaside themes are moving aside. Instead, think of candles and cushions in warm cozy hues. Throws or quilts here and there, creating vignettes of a snug spot to curl up with a hot chocolate and a book should come to mind. You want your buyers to have in mind, a safe, warm spot to settle in when winter winds begin to howl.
Last of all, don’t forget to make space for winter wear your agents and clients may have on when they arrive. A designated mat for boots, and space to hang coats or jackets, will let them feel comfortable as they have a good look around. Markets are shifting to a more balanced or even buyers’ market now, so expect that they will take their time, more than they did during the frenzied pace of the sellers’ market we were in, earlier this year. They may make more visits before deciding – and they’ll be preparing to negotiate. More than ever, it’s important to put your (and your home’s) best foot forward.