As I sit here putting together this issue, it's sleeting outside my living room window and cars are sliding by.  Brrrrr and blech!  I'm glad I'm inside snuggled up with a puppy dog (or two and maybe a kitty too) thinking of ways I can help you sell more houses.

The longer I'm in the staging business, the more interesting situations I see.  And by interesting, I mean not smart, but am trying my best to remain politically correct.  Yep, I see a lot of things that would seem to be common sense to most of us, but that are constantly overlooked.  Unfortunately, these little common sense items can really make or a break a sale for your sellers (and you too).

Buyers notice the details.  It's their job.  And sometimes those details may not register, but subconsciously they are ultimately affecting buyer actions.  Help your sellers be a successful as possible and help them take care of those items that may get missed.

Winter Tips for Successful Home Selling

1. Go Away Ice and Snow!  Perhaps the most obvious is making sure ice and snow are removed from walkways, driveways, and even rear patios and decks.  However, you would be very surprised how often I visit a home for staging with driveways covered in ice or beautiful rear patios buried under a blanket of snow.  Make sure your property appears as well maintained as possible.  If it looks like snow is a pain to remove, you will have lost your buyer before they get to the front door.
    
2. Warm and Cozy or I Wanna Go Back to the Warm Car?  This one is especially important for vacant homes!  Make sure a house is kept at a very comfortable temperature for winter showings.  72 degrees is a great temperature to shoot for showings and open houses.  You want buyers to feel comfortable and hang out for awhile.
   
   If there's a fireplace, make sure to have a cozy fire going too.
    
3. Light and Bright!  It can be rough to have a house on the market in the winter due to darkness coming on so early.  Often after work showings or drive bys are in the dark evening hours.  Make sure all exterior lights are on at all times while a house is on the market.  It's also very helpful to leave a few lights on inside to create a lived and inviting image.  Timers can be great for vacant homes and for those who may work long or evening hours.
    
4. Please Remove Shoes.  Nothing makes me cringe more than a sign that says "Please remove shoes".  I understand the thinking behind this, but it can make a buyer feel uncomfortable from the start.  Do you like walking barefoot through a place you don't know?  I suggest purchasing disposable shoe covers instead.  Leave a basket near the front door for buyers and they will get the feeling that you care about the condition of your home.  A selling plus!
    
5. Room With A View or Not So Much?  Winter can provide some challenges that may not be apparent during the spring and winter months.  Trees without leaves can really expose some unsightly views that may otherwise be blocked by blooming foliage.  Consider using updated curtains/sheers, top down bottom up blinds, removing screens, cleaning windows and getting creative with ways to improve those unsightly views.