6 Tips for Selling a Home in Santa Barbara This Fall and Winter

Thinking of selling a home in Santa Barbara this fall or winter? I just read an article in RealtyTimes with 6 tips to ensure a successful sale during the coming months.
When it comes time to sell luxury real estate in Montecito, Hope Ranch, Santa Barbara, Summerland, Carpineria or any of the upscale markets here during any season, discerning home sellers are invited to connect with me – Cristal Clarke. With more than two decades of Santa Barbara real estate knowledge and expertise, I offer my clients an unsurpassed level of marketing and negotiating skill along with an impressive roster of qualified buyers. Besides working with the best agent, homeowners should consider the following:
1) Curb appeal during fall and winter
Have a problem resisting the temptation to buy every available pumpkin and decorative gourd at the market during this time of the year? Resist! If you’re listing your home, don’t make your front porch look like a Farmer’s Market. Enhance your curb appeal; don’t obscure it.
“While too many fall decorations will take focus off of your home and its best features, a few tasteful accents can create an inviting setting and make your home feel fresh,” said HGTV.
Also, make the upkeep of your yard a priority. You only have one chance to make a good first impression.
2) Go easy on the holiday decorations
Anything that has the potential to turn off potential buyers is a no-no when it comes to listing your house. I suggest you stick to safe decor choices for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Appeal to the masses. I’m not saying you can’t enjoy the holidays while selling your home. Tasteful displays will show your home in its best light.
3) Light up your home
Open blinds and make sure windows are sparkly clean. You want to maximize the natural light in your home, especially in sunny Santa Barbara.
“Highlight your home’s best features,” said HGTV. “Let in as much natural light as possible, and place plenty of lamps throughout your home for additional illumination.”
4) Make sure your space is inviting
Create a warm and cozy atmosphere by adding fall accents like throw pillows, and get rid of clutter.
HGTV suggests: “Try displaying vases of fall foliage or bowls of seasonal fruit throughout your home.”
5) Put your fireplace to work
Even if you’re not going to light your fireplace during showings, make sure it’s clean and presentable. Clean those doors well, and sweep out the inside. You may even consider a quick fireplace facelift.
6) Appeal to the senses
Cinnamon, pumpkin spice and vanilla: the scents of fall and winter flowing through your home can create a powerful connection with buyers.
The fall and winter months are associated with certain smells and flavors. Think pine needles, cinnamon, peppermint and pumpkin pie.
“Beyond setting the mood with decorations, you could try appealing to buyers’ senses in multiple ways,” according to Smart Asset. “For example, if you’re hosting an open house you could keep hot chocolate and pumpkin muffins on hand for visiting buyers. If you don’t want to go that far, keeping a scented candle burning in the background or playing some holiday music can work wonders.”
I hope these 6 tips for selling a home this fall and winter have inspired you to list with me. If you’re considering moving to, or within any of the Santa Barbara area communities I cover – whether you’re buying a home or selling one — take a look at my comprehensive website, then call me at 805.886.9378 or email me at Cristal@montecito-estate.com.