As I am predominately a buyer’s agent, I know the importance of buyers in the market seeing and feeling the difference between your home and the others they may be considering.

Staging eliminates question marks

When a buyer walks through an empty home, they might be confused about what function a room serves, or whether a space (say, a landing) will become a “dead zone” or unusable in the long run.

Staging demonstrates how these spaces can be used, which can be used as a jumping off point for buyers’ imaginations. When buyers can see (and feel) the way a space can function for their own purposes, they’re more likely to focus on what’s working about the property rather than its challenges.

Staging demonstrates how to maximize a space

A beautifully staged space allows buyers to understand how much they’ll be able to do within it. It’s very difficult to envision how you might lay out your furniture in an empty room, or even whether your furniture will be able to fit in it, when a space is empty or filled to the gills with bulky furniture.

When we add furniture and decor that’s the appropriately scaled for the space, we’re able to show buyers just how much they can get out of a space. An empty area between a living room and kitchen becomes a dining room. A landing becomes a reading nook with room for two armchairs. It is essential to show people that these areas have function rather than just telling them about it.

Staging sells homes faster and for more money

Most homebuyers are looking for a property that they can move into without doing a ton of work (and spending a lot of money!) beforehand. When buyers are able to walk into a home that feels finished, and that doesn’t require them to stretch to imagine themselves in it, they’re far more likely to push it to the top of their list.

And finally, staged homes sell for more money because buyers are able to see the value of the property. Where other properties may leave them with a to do list and questions about whether the rooms will work for their lifestyle, your staged home will justify a higher asking price by doing the hard work of solving those problems up front.

As Fall sets in, it’s important to consider heat function, energy efficiency, and the propensity of water to freeze. Here are some of the basics to get your home ready for winter:

  • Drain outdoor water sources like sprinklers and sillcocks. Many sillcocks are designed with anti-siphon technology so as to not hold water in the parts most exposed to the freezing outdoors; however, you should always double-check, and use shutoff valves further inside the house (and then open the hose bib to make sure it’s fully drained).

  • Make sure your furnace, boiler, or heat pump is being serviced. I typically get mine serviced in November (for heat) and again at the end of May/early June (for cooling).

  • Make sure you are well-supplied with pet-safe snowmelt, snow shovels, automobile brushes/scrapers, and snowblowers if needed. (You could also contract with a snow removal company or a local guy with a shovel). Keep in mind that most cities and towns hold homeowners/businesses responsible for snow clearance on public sidewalks adjacent to their property, within a couple of hours of snowfall. It’s also a good idea to dig out a perimeter around any fire hydrants near your home.

  • Move your indoor plants back inside, and set your Fall-planted bulbs!

  • Spot check for any troubling signs on the outside of your roof, under your roof in the attic, or around windows/doors.

  • Consider ‘smart’ thermostats if you want to have better (and remote) management over your daytime and nighttime temperature control. Many older thermostat setups won’t have all the wiring for full functionality, but you can either have your wiring upgraded, or use the smart thermostats for most of, if not the full suite of, features (they are not incredibly difficult to install as replacements).

  • While most smoke & carbon monoxide detectors on the market today have built-in 10-year lithium batteries, you may still have older models with recommendations that you replace the battery annually. If you don’t already have a date marked each year to do this, the first day of winter, or the first day of the new year, might be a good time to make it a habit. If your smoke/carbon monoxide detectors are at or near the end of their 10-year life, you should install new ones.

  • Put up storm windows, especially for historic homes with single-paned windows, or wherever you feel that temperature loss is significant at the point of a window. (e.g., if sealing isn’t perfect, or sashes don’t line up exactly). Caulk and weatherstrip around windows and doors.

  • Lastly, you can always explore MassSave’s range of rebate-eligible programs for insulation, replacement of heating systems, etc.

Seasonal maintenance can help ensure your home remains in tip-top shape throughout the year. So, let's roll up our sleeves and dive into an exhaustive list of seasonal maintenance tasks to keep your home cozy and comfortable, no matter the weather.

Spring

  1. Gutter Clean-Up: Spring showers bring May flowers, but they can also bring clogged gutters. Clean out any debris to prevent water damage.

  2. Roof Inspection: Examine your roof for any damage from winter weather, and replace any missing shingles or fix leaks.

  3. Check Your HVAC: Make sure your air conditioning system is ready for the upcoming heatwaves by changing the filters and scheduling a professional tune-up.

  4. Landscaping: Trim bushes, trees, and shrubs that may have overgrown during winter. Plan your garden for the season.

  5. Window Cleaning: A little extra sunshine in your life? Clean your windows to maximize the view.

Summer

  1. Deck and Patio Maintenance: Power wash, seal, and stain your deck or patio to protect it from the summer sun and barbecue mess.

  2. Bug Control: Keep those pesky summer bugs at bay by ensuring screens are intact and sealing any gaps where they could sneak in.

  3. HVAC Maintenance: Clean or replace filters again, and check your thermostat settings for efficiency.

  4. Check for Leaks: Look for any water leaks in the basement or other areas that could result from summer storms.

  5. Pool Care: If you have a pool, ensure it's clean, and maintain proper chemical levels.

Fall

  1. Gutter Clean-Up Round 2: With the leaves falling, it's essential to clean the gutters again to avoid clogs and water damage.

  2. Winterize Your Garden: Prepare your garden for the winter by protecting delicate plants and storing garden equipment properly.

  3. Inspect and Clean Chimney: Make sure your fireplace is safe to use. Schedule a chimney sweep to remove creosote buildup.

  4. Inspect Windows and Doors: Check for drafts and seal any gaps to keep the cold air out.

  5. Furnace Check: Before the temperature drops, have your heating system inspected and serviced to ensure it's in working order.

Winter

  1. Snow Removal Gear: Ensure your snow shovels, snow blowers, and rock salt are ready for action.

  2. Indoor Winter Prep: Seal any drafts around windows and doors and stock up on winter essentials, like extra blankets.

  3. Keep an Eye on Pipes: Prevent frozen pipes by insulating them and allowing a small trickle of water to run during extreme cold.

  4. Check Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors: With heating systems working overtime, ensure your detectors are functional and have fresh batteries.

  5. Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, non-perishable food, and a battery-powered radio.

Remember, these tasks may vary depending on your specific home and its unique needs, so use this list as a guideline. By staying on top of seasonal maintenance, you'll not only protect your investment but also make your home a comfortable and welcoming place all year round. Happy homemaking! 😊