Archives

Tips for Winter Home Staging

winter

It’s the middle of winter, and you just found out that your company is relocating you to Jupiter, Florida. That’s great for your frozen bones—but what about your home? Use these tips to help sell your home ASAP—even in winter.

First, focus on the curb appeal. In winter, it’s easy to neglect the outside of your home, but it’s crucial that your potential buyers’ first impressions be good ones. Clear the driveway, paths, and decks, and add some salt to protect against slipping on ice. Turn on the porch lights, and consider adding some urns and planters to your front stoop if it looks a bit empty. Add a winter-themed welcome mat to complete the job.

Second, keep your entryways clean. As one stager observes, “During winter it is especially important to remove mucky boots outside and keep family gear hidden in a closet or trunk, where potential buyers won’t trip over them.” The last thing you want your potential buyer to see is your muddy footprints all over the foyer.

Third, emphasize visual (and physical) warmth. Make sure every light is on—things can get dark in winter! And crank that heat. Seal your windows and holes, and move furniture away from the vents to ensure proper air circulation. Nobody wants to buy a home where they are too distracted by the cold to pay attention to its amenities. Add some throws, pillows, and richly textured materials in warm colors to create an image of warmth and coziness.

Fourth, highlight features of your home that are particularly useful in winter, such as fireplaces, basement playrooms for kids, and indoor fitness centers. Consider accentuating your home’s entertaining possibilities as well, as winter is a popular time for indoor dinner parties.

Keep these tips in mind as you are getting ready to sell your home, and you will be off to sunny Florida in no time!

 

 

Trends for 2016: Amenities

Note: This is part 1 in a four-part series of design trends for 2016. Check back soon for parts 2, 3 and 4!

Now that we are starting to settle into 2016, we at Stage to Move wanted to share with our readers our analysis of interior design trends for the new year. Whether you are looking for a new home or renovating your current one, here are some trendy amenities to keep an eye out for this year.

  1. Sustainable appliances. Unseasonably warm temperatures this past fall reminded everyone of the importance of taking care of our planet, and 2016 is sure to reflect that. Look for green design products and long lasting materials with style. One stager recommends keyless entries, free-standing bathtubs and two master suites for multi-generational living.
  1. Indoor/outdoor living. Outside is coming in, and inside is going out! Consider incorporating natural materials such as copper, marble, and brass into your home. “Glamping”—“glamour camping”—is also in. Built-in sunrooms and porches offer the best that nature has to offer in the comfort of luxury living.

amenities 2

amenities 1

  1. Indoor fitness. The fitness craze has yet to abate, and one-stop spaces for exercising, meditation, yoga and spa treatments will continue to be popular in 2016. One stager adds that showers are also getting an upgrade in 2016, with features such as programmable temperatures and water flow and waterfall fixtures.
  1. New technologies. Dedicated charging spaces, preferably in the kitchen or in the immediate vicinity of the entrance to the home, are all the rage this year. Advanced security systems such as smartphone-monitored nanny cameras and motion sensors are also on the rise. You may also want to check out new functionalities in cabinet drawers and kitchens for a simpler upgrade.

Check back soon for part 2: style trends for 2016!

 

Taylor Henley is an employee of Stage to Move. She collaborates with owner and home staging expert Kara Woods to produce blog posts that reflect the expertise and innovative design strategies of Stage to Move.

 

New Year, New Home, New You!

new year new home new you image

Are you reaping the financial benefits of an improved economy? Are you thinking of selling your home and using the profits to upgrade to a nicer space? You couldn’t have picked a better time to do so.

First, the value of your home is steadily increasing. In 2015, the value of all homes across the U.S. increased $1.1 trillion, growing 4.1 percent over the past year alone. In the latest Zillow Home Price Expectations Survey, more than 100 economic and housing experts pinned home value growth for 2016 at about 3.5 percent.

Second, the supply of listings will rise with each passing month during the spring. According to Keeping Current Matters, a resource website for realtors, “The #1 reason to not wait until spring…The supply of listings increases substantially after the new year (including new construction) which lowers the demand for your house.” Getting your home on the market right now can give you an edge over spring competitors.

Of course, don’t forget an essential ingredient: home staging. Staging can relieve the stress of selling your home; stagers maximize your home’s appeal to buyers to help you sell your home quickly and for the best price possible. Choose Stage to Move to make selling your home as easy as possible this year. New year, new home, new you!

 

Taylor Henley is an employee of Stage to Move. She collaborates with owner and home staging expert Kara Woods to produce blog posts that reflect the expertise and innovative design strategies of Stage to Move.