Prepping for Winter Showings: Make Your Home Shine in the Darker Months

As the days grow shorter and the weather turns chilly, preparing your home for winter showings requires a bit of extra attention to ensure it feels warm and inviting to potential buyers. Here are a few tips I’ve learned that will help your home shine during the fall and winter months:

1. Enhance Your Lighting

With less natural light, it’s crucial to brighten your space. I recommend using soft, warm LED bulbs in all your fixtures to create a cozy atmosphere. When I stage a home I like to add floor lamps or table lamps in darker corners. If you’re showing during daylight hours, don’t forget to open curtains during the day to maximize any available sunlight!

2. Cozy Staging

When I stage a home during the winter, I make sure to create a feeling that is inviting and comfortable. Some ways I do that is to incorporate soft throws, plush pillows, and warm colors into the decor.

3. Create a Welcoming Entryway

The entrance is the first impression of the homes interior. It’s so important to make sure it’s clean and inviting. During the winter its nice to use a seasonal wreath or add a small bench or seating area. With all the rain we get, debri and leaves can easily be tracked into the home, ensure the walkway is clear, and use outdoor lighting to illuminate the path, making it safe and welcoming.

4. Address Curb Appeal

With shorter daylight hours, to keep your curb appeal strong, there are some different areas I focus on. I encourage my sellers to invest in outdoor lighting to brighten up the front yard and highlight the home’s features. Of course, regardless of the season, I make sure landscaping is tidy; trim bushes, rake leaves, and keep walkways clear to show that the home is well-maintained.

5. Prepare for Rain

In the Pacific Northwest, rain can be a concern during winter months. I always remind my sellers to keep their gutters clean and functioning well to prevent water from pooling. If you have a covered porch, you might consider adding outdoor seating to create an inviting space even in dreary weather.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your home for winter showings involves creating an inviting and warm atmosphere that appeals to buyers. You want them to walk into the space and instantly feel comfortable and at ease. Through different staging strategies — enhancing lighting, staging for comfort, maintaining curb appeal, and preparing for weather conditions, you can ensure your home shines, even in the darkest months.