5 Tips on Staging & Selling Your Big Bear Home

The spring and summer months aren’t the only Big Bear real estate selling season, the fact is there are lots of potential buyers in Big Bear during the winter season. And with inventory at its lowest level in years, the decision to market your property in the colder months can really pay off.

1. KEEP SAFETY IN MIND

Clear snow from the driveway and walkways and apply ice-melt as needed. First impressions are most important, so be sure that access to your home is as safe and easy as possible. To keep potential buyers from tracking snow into the house, invest in some disposable slippers that people can wear as they tour the home. It indicates a pride of ownership that resonates with buyers. Place an attractive rug near the front door that fits in with the rest of the décor.

2. MAKE THE HOME HOMEY

Properly staging a home is important in creating that warm feeling you want buyers to associate with the house, especially when snow covers the ground. If you have a gas fireplace, turn it on just before your showing to give the home a little ambiance. With a wood-burning fireplace, you’ve got to be a little more careful. If you plan on leaving, adjust the heat to a comfortable temperature and have the hearth set for a fire. Buyers feel the warmth and see the potential, and you don’t have to worry about safety concerns. Burning a delicately scented candle can be a nice touch, but use discretion; buyers may think you’re trying to mask odors.

Place fresh flowers in the bedrooms and bathrooms. This adds life to a home when there are no flowers outside. Strategically place quilts, throws and pillows in the living room or family room to give these rooms some added texture and warmth. Play soft jazz or classical music. This can be very soothing on a cold winter day and may encourage buyers to linger in your house.

3. KEEP THE HOME FRESH, WARM AND DRY

If the home has been closed up for a while, briefly open some windows before a showing to allow fresh air into the home. Then turn up the heat throughout the house to a comfortable temperature, not too hot or cold. Buyers who come in and aren’t comfortable won’t stay long

4. USE LIGHTING

Clean all the lamps and built-in fixtures, and replace the bulbs with the highest wattage that they will safely accommodate. Before you show the house, turn on all the lights. Pull back curtains or drapes so buyers can look out. Make sure the windows and screens are clean to let as much light in as possible. In winter, that strong southern light can reveal grime and make it look like the home hasn’t been well-maintained. You’re probably not going to be home all the time, so put indoor and outdoor lights on timers. This will make your home look warm and inviting whenever prospective buyers drive past.

5. PHOTOS IN BLOOM

Since buyers won’t be able to admire a lush garden or a beautiful outdoor sitting area during the winter, show them an album of photographs taken during the spring and summer – when everything is in full bloom and the yard looks its best.

 More Home Staging Tips;

• 5 Home Staging Tips to Win Buyers’ Votes – The SpareFoot Blog – By Guest Contributor September 19, 2012. [ by Deanna Lawley, Homefinder ]. If you’re preparing to put your house on the market, follow these DIY home staging tips to capture the vote of your home’s next owner this season. 1. Boost curb …
• Home Staging Tips for Fall – The SpareFoot Blog – by Sarah Kolb, CORT Furniture. The leaves on the trees are slowly beginning to turn, fireplaces are finally finding themselves useful, and it’s almost cold enough to break out your impressive scarf collection. Autumn means …
• Home Staging Tips: How To Stage Your Home for Sale – You could have dozens of house shoppers visit your home weekend after weekend; but if your house isn’t staged correctly, especially in today’s market, you won’t sell your home. The first thing a potential buyer notices when …