Is anyone craving a pumpkin spice latte? For many of us, the change of seasons is one of the great things about living in Michigan. With the arrival of fall, we get to bring out our favorite cozy sweaters, watch the leaves put on a colorful show, and refresh our homes with autumn décor. In fact, inviting the new season with fall décor can do more than make your home lovely – it can also invite potential buyers!

If your home is already on the market or you’re planning on selling this fall, staging your home for the new season with these tips can help you attract buyers:

1. Boost Curb Appeal – To make your home’s exterior more inviting, make sure you keep the leaves raked and the lawn maintained. If bushes have become overgrown during the summer, it’s time to trim them back and remove those pesky weeds. By early September, most landscape flowers, and especially those in pots, start to look a little tired. To keep things fresh, consider removing summer annuals and replacing them with seasonal flowers like mums, chrysanthemums, celosias, and asters. To make the front entrance more inviting, hang a fall-themed wreath on the door and create a small display of pumpkins or other seasonal décor.
2. Create a Cozy Atmosphere – With shorter days and cooler temperatures, fall is the time of year when we start craving a warm cozy environment. You can create that atmosphere by:
   1. Adding layers of textiles like throws, blankets, pillows and rugs in soft fabrics and warm colors. A folded throw on the back of a couch and a couple of pillows in a textured fabric can make the entire room feel cozier. Layering your bed with a quilt or throw in rich fall tones has the same effect.
   2. Using subtle (not overpowering) scents like cinnamon, vanilla or pumpkin spice with candles or potpourri.
   3. Sprinkling some seasonal accents around your home, such as a bouquet of fall flowers or a bowl of fall fruit.
   4. Highlighting your fireplace (if you have one) with candles or stacked firewood.
3. Bring in Natural Light and Switch to Warm Lighting – Since it gets dark earlier, it’s a good idea to bring in as much natural light as possible. Keep curtains and/or blinds open and windows clean. Turning on a few lamps in key areas can also create a welcoming environment. Using soft white bulbs provides a warmer glow this time of year. Remember, good lighting can also make your home seem bigger and more open.
4. Don’t Forget General Staging Tips – In any season, a properly staged home can move your home faster and often at a higher price. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), staged homes sell 73% faster than non-staged homes and can sell for 5-10% more than homes that are not staged. General staging principles include:
   1. Deep cleaning and decluttering to create a well-maintained and spacious environment.
   2. Depersonalizing by removing photos and other personal items to help buyers imagine themselves living in the space.
   3. Highlighting special features, such as a great fireplace, a breakfast nook, or a patio with a firepit.

Staging your home for fall is about capturing the season’s cozy feeling. It can be as easy as adding a few simple accents that make your home feel warm and inviting. But experts warn against elaborate Halloween displays, especially ones that may be gruesome or scary, since this can be a turn-off for some people. (You want potential buyers to focus on the house, not the giant skeleton!) With a little effort, you can make your home the one that buyers “fall” for!

If you would like help staging your home for fall or the coming holiday season, the expert team at Cornerstone Real Estate is here for you! We can discuss it over that pumpkin spice latte.