When you are trying to rent your property, staging can make or break your success. Staging is how potential renters envision themselves in your property; without adding the extra bit of time and effort, they can be deterred from your property. Luckily for you, we’ve got all the staging tips for winter!
What is staging?
Staging is how you set up and furnish the property you are showing in order to persuade buyers or renters that they would like to live there. If you were touring a luxury penthouse you would expect to see fancy chandeliers, modern furniture, and beautiful art, right? Now imagine you are touring an unfurnished luxury penthouse. It may have massive windows and tall ceilings, but without the furniture in place, it’s hard to picture yourself living there. This is why staging is so important.
Staging in summer can be much easier because minimal furniture is all that’s needed. Winter is a little more difficult. So, let's get into the tips for winter.
Clean, clean, clean
Make sure your property is clean, decluttered, and doesn't really look lived in. It should be the ideal version of a home, with no dog hair and children’s toys laying around. Bathrooms and kitchens should be spotless, which makes the room feel bigger and brighter. There should be very little on the countertops.
A common rule for realtors is “no eyes,” meaning there should be no photos of people in the house. Seeing pictures of other people living in the space makes it more difficult to imagine it as your own. Any evidence of pets should also be removed, as it can be a turn-off for many people. If you are hoping to rent to people without kids or pets, you do not want anything in the property that would encourage either.
Use light
Especially in winter, when the days are shorter, light is important for renters. Use bright lights and keep all curtains or drapes open to make the home seem bigger and more inviting.
Make it cozy
Small details can make a big difference. Use big, warm blankets and fluffy pillows on couches and beds. Add feet-warming rugs and maybe light the fireplace if you have one. You should also turn the heat up enough to ensure that someone who tours feels comfortable.
If you’re having an open house, consider lighting a candle and offering warm cookies to enhance that ideal feel of a home.
Curb appeal
The outside of the house will be their first impression, so make sure it's a good one. Make sure the driveway is shoveled if there is snow on the ground. Consider adding evergreen plants to the porch and a wreath to the door.
Ontario is a great place to become a landlord. While these tips can help you keep your property rented, we also provide personalized strategies for becoming a full-time property investor or making money by investing as a side hustle. Want to know more? Get in touch with us today!