With the end of daylight-savings time and the approach of winter, it's dark out there!
If you are putting your house on the market, shorter afternoons and darker days can make selling more of a challenge. And most real estate agents and potential buyers would rather view a home during the light of day.
However, this challenge of less natural light can present a great opportunity to really showcase your home.
CHECK YOUR LIGHTS
First of all, make sure all lights work and that all wall light switches turn on a light. There's nothing less welcoming than walking into a dark room, only to have the light switch not flick on any light.
Replace all burned-out bulbs, and be absolutely sure all can lights, chandeliers and other light fixtures such as sconces have matching light bulbs.
Also, be sure that the type of bulb used is designed for that fixture. For example, use floodlight bulbs for recessed can lighting and clear "candlestick" style bulbs for sconces, chandeliers and similar fixtures.
Also remember that if the light fixture is attached to the house, it is considered part of the sale. So if you want to take the matching vintage sconces with you, talk to your real estate agent first and replace any fixtures before going on the market.
All lamps light fixtures should be clean, free of dust, cobwebs and dead bugs. Hanging, bowl-shaped glass shades collect all kinds of debris that cloud the light and can be seen from below. Take a moment to unscrew the shade and clean it with a damp cloth.
Also check to be sure all outdoor lighting work properly, are clean and free of cobwebs and bugs and are well-polished.
LIGHTING THE WAY
The type of lighting is also important. While it is a wise, energy-efficient choice to use the compact florescent bulbs, they do not emit a warm light.
For the duration you are showing your home, consider swapping all light bulbs for incandescent. I recommend G.E. Reveal 60-watt bulbs for most light fixtures.
Keep lights on during showing hours for all dark rooms, including basements and dark bedrooms.
Use timers - turning on at 11 a.m. and staying on until 11 p.m. - with staggered times if the house is vacant.
Keep at least one light on in the living room, office and den/family rooms if applicable, and keep at least one porch light on.
And be sure the walkway is well-lit: You want the house to glow from the street.
While this doesn't mean every light in the place should be on all day and night, you do want potential buyers to feel they are approaching a welcoming, warm home - possibly their new welcoming, warm home!
MOOD LIGHTING
Lit candles can be an easy way to add some light and warmth to any room, but, of course, light them only when you are home, and go easy on the scented kind.
Stick with one light fragrance (something spicy, like cinnamon) in the kitchen or one bathroom only; the rest of the candles should be scent-free.
Tealight candles in glass holders are inexpensive and last about 2 to 3 hours. Place these on side tables in clusters of three.
Light the fireplace if you are going to be home, but be sure to use dry logs so there are not crackles or sparks while the potential buyer is contemplating their next evening in front of that fireplace.
DRAMATIC LIGHTING
You can also use light to add a bit of drama to otherwise boring rooms.
I use "uplights" in nearly every home I stage. These are small, can lights that sit on a base on the floor, available at hardware stores. You can get the kind that turn off if tipped over if pets or kids may be an issue.
Use one uplight in the corner of a room, preferably illuminating a plant. The shadows formed on the wall and the addition of light in an otherwise dark corner can really draw the buyer into the room.
SEEING THE LIGHT
When you are selling your home, keep in mind you are now marketing your home, and potential buyers need to be able to see what they might want to buy. Car dealerships know this, which is why lots are lit-up so brightly at night.
Using the right lighting and adding a bit of dramatic lighting can really help your potential buyers feel right at home!
Phinney Ridge resident Leah Stahlsmith owns Simple Works Design, providing home-staging and organizing services.
She offers classes at several locations throughout the North End. For more information, visit www.simpleworksdesign.com
