The advantages of styling a property for sale are well known. First and foremost, according to Open Agent, while styling doesn’t always promise a return on investment, on average, you can expect to see a 7.5 to 12.5 percent increase on your final sale price.
Winter styling becomes even more important, as without warmer weather and longer days of lighting to bring out the property’s best features, styling can help to ensure your property stands out from the crowd at open for inspections.
Winter open for inspection styling: where to start
If you’re setting up for an open for inspection, the first thing to remember is the temperature in the house says Belle Property’s local agent Carolyn Wheatley. “If you’re selling in winter, there is no way of getting around it, it is cold outside. Make an easy and instant first impression by cranking up the heating so that when people enter the house to view it, they are greeted with a sense of welcome by a warmer temperature”.
Consider the lighting
Winter lighting is significantly darker than spring, so make sure you have styled the home with lighting in mind.
“If your home is north facing, and gets tonnes of light, make sure you have cleaned your windows so the light shining through is really putting on a show,” says Carolyn.
“If you’re not lucky enough to get a lot of natural light in the home, you really don’t want it to appear dark as it can be a major turn off for buyers. So look at the lighting in the house carefully and consider where you could bring in a few additional lamps, or even candles – which can create a more natural lighting look.”
Play on cosy
Everybody loves cuddling up and getting cosy in winter and you can play on this in your winter styling open for inspection.
The best way to create a sense of cosiness in an open for inspection is to layer textures and fabrics that will help trap in any heat, like plush rugs, wool or faux fur throws placed around the living areas and bedrooms.
“It’s also a good idea to consider winter colours in your styling design. Choose warm tones for any additional throws, cushions or general décor you are bringing into the home,” Carolyn adds.
Don’t forget the outdoors
According to Domain, improving your property’s exterior is the number one way you can add value to your home on sale day. Another tip is to consider setting up outdoor entertaining areas as if it were a winter occasion.
“If you have an outdoor entertaining area, you can apply some of the techniques you have used to style the home inside, outside, such as adding throws or cushions to firepits to give off the appeal of a cosy area,” Carolyn explains.
Bring some greenery in
Greenery, such as fresh flowers, is still extremely important in an open for inspection, even in winter. “It’s a simple trick, but fresh flowers are great during an open home as they look and smell fantastic. Just make sure you’re sticking with your overall theme. Use flowers, plants or succulents that add to the winter, warming vibe you’re creating in the home.”
Call in the experts
If you’re selling during winter and the thought of winter styling for your open for inspection overwhelms you, the experts are there to help.
“We can recommend a stylist who will be able to bring the features of your property to life. You can either leave them to their own devices to create what they think will work for the space or work closely with them to ensure you have a hand in the final look and feel. Prices for styling range, so it’s best to get our recommendations first,” Carolyn adds.
Carolyn Wheatley
Sales Executive, LREA
Belle Property Castle Hill, 10/3-9 Terminus Street, Castle Hill NSW 2154
P: 02 9899 7997 M: 0407 120 483 F: 02 9899 7998 W: www.belleproperty.com/castlehill
