As warmer temperatures turn cooler, leaves change into spectacular colors and eventually fall, and the calendar turns to autumn. And if you're selling your home this time of year, you'll want to stage it so it makes a good impression on prospective buyers who are looking to buy a home this season.
  
Our real estate agents are experienced in helping sellers make their homes look their best and share the following tips for fall-focused home staging that will create an inviting atmosphere for buyers:

• Brighten Your Home
  Homes that look light and bright seem more inviting, and their rooms look larger. If home buyers are stopping by during the day, open any window treatments to let natural light in. If the day is overcast or it's already dark outside, brighten your rooms with attractive artificial lighting. Make sure all the bulbs work, and turn them on before buyers visit. And if it's getting dark outside, make sure to turn your outside lights on as well to make the path to your home safe and welcoming.
  
  
• Warm Up Your Wall Colors
  A fresh coat of paint makes any home look cleaner and brighter, and when you're selling your home in the fall, painting is also a good way to add some warmth to its appearance. Choose a color like a light caramel or cream for your walls since they'll add warmth while still being neutral colors that will appeal to buyers.
  
  
• Get Cozy
  A cozy home will appeal to buyers and make them inclined to linger in its comfort. Increase your home's coziness by using soft, fluffy rugs on wood or tile floors. You can also place pillows or throws made of soft fabrics on your couches and chairs. And if you have a gas or electric fireplace, turning it on before a showing on a chilly day will help further create the atmosphere you're looking for.
  
  
• Have Your HVAC System Checked and Use It
  Make sure your HVAC system is running properly so you can turn it on without worry as the weather gets colder. Most people are comfortable with a temperature set between 70 and 72 degrees. While you're at it, change your unit's air filter so it runs at peak efficiency and circulates clean air throughout your home. 
  
  
• Spruce up Your Curb Appeal
  Curb appeal isn't important just in the spring and summer. Your home will entice buyers to come inside if its exterior looks appealing in the fall. Make sure to rake up fallen leaves, clear them from your walkways and driveway, and patch up any brown spots in your grass. Pressure wash your siding, porches, and decks, and add some tasteful seasonal outdoor items like pumpkins, gourds, or mums in eye-catching displays. You can even plant some mums, goldenrods, New England aster, or other fall flowers to add some color to your landscaping.
  
  
• Provide Some Seasonal Snacks
  Leaving snacks out for buyers is a common practice for open houses, but you can also use it when your agent has scheduled a showing. It helps make your home more memorable and welcoming and can leave buyers with a good impression of their visit. Try leaving out some fall favorites like apple slices, cider, or hot chocolate, and perhaps have some wrapped caramel apples available for buyers to take home with them.

Ready to sell your home this fall? A few changes can make a big difference in making your home look its best. Contact us for more suggestions on how you can prepare your home for going on the market this fall.