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Putting your home on the market during fall means that you might have to work a bit harder at attracting potential home buyers to your open house, but the extra effort is well worth it. In fact, 83 percent of buyers' agents surveyed by the National Association of Realtors stated that home staging helps buyers see a house on the market as their new home.
The housing market overall tends to be slower in fall compared to spring and summer, but this time of year offers some great opportunities to add seasonal touches that give your home an inviting appeal. Keep the following home staging ideas in mind to make your open house a success this fall.
Spruce Up Your Home with Seasonal Decor
Adding fall decor to your porch and your home’s interior can create a cheerful environment, but be careful not to go overboard. Putting too many seasonal decor items out can make your home look and feel cluttered, resulting in an unfavorable impression on home buyers. Consider using a light touch instead, such as placing an autumn wreath on your door or putting a fall centerpiece with decorative gourds and seasonal flowers on your dining room table.
Light Up Your Open House
If you have an open house in the evening, especially later on in fall, keep in mind that it might be dark out when your buyers arrive. Your home should be well-lit inside, and your front porch light should be on to greet them. For afternoon open houses, let natural light brighten up your home, and turn on a few lights in dimmer areas as needed.
Create a Cozy Environment
Fall’s cooler days and earlier evenings give you an ideal chance to encourage potential home buyers to stick around longer during your open house. Creating a cozy atmosphere keeps your open house visitors comfortable while also helping them see your home as their home one day. A simple way to do this is by placing soft throws and accent pillows on your sofa and chairs for added comfort. If you have a fireplace, consider using it for your evening or afternoon open house to make your home feel even more welcoming.
Add an Autumnal Aroma
Seasonal scents for fall, such as cinnamon, pumpkin or apple, can give your house a pleasant smell that makes buyers feel at home when they walk through your front door. You can burn a fall-scented candle, as long as the smell won’t get too strong. You can also add a seasonal aroma and give buyers freshly baked goods to enjoy by making an autumn treat, such as an apple pie or cinnamon bread, shortly before your open house.
If you’re planning on putting your home on the market this fall, feel free to give me a call.