Staging for a Fall Open House

by Ryan Mandigo 11/10/2020

Photo by Designecologist via Pexels

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.

About the Author
Author

Ryan Mandigo

Ryan Mandigo is an award-winning professional broker associate with Omni Real Estate. Originally a native of New Hampshire, his love of real estate began 30+ years ago while swinging a hammer on a framing crew. He has always had a strong passion for helping people, whether it be assisting a couple in purchasing their first home, finding a home that fits a growing family's needs, or downsizing for those with an empty nest. He strives to build strong personal and professional relationships with being a true believer in the power of positive thinking and always willing to lend a helping hand.

He is also a co-founder and board member of the Swing Fore the Kids organization. A local charity that is 100% nonprofit and their sole purpose is to help needy children and young adults within Horry County communities. He finds great satisfaction and pleasure in seeing how working hard for a great cause and raising funds can help others in need. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Waccamaw Youth Center in Conway, where their mission is to provide at-risk youth "A Place To Call Home"

When he is not working, he enjoys music, working around the home, spending time with family and friends, turning wrenches on vintage vehicles, getting some wind therapy on the Harley or chilling with their dogs.

Some quotes he lives by - "Do what you like and like what you do" - "You have to be odd to be number one" - "Dreams don't work unless you do" And one of his favorites. "Positive and enthusiastic thinking in all you do"