Baby it's cold outside! Invite the buyers in!

Think of your buyers as your most desired guests.  Roll out the red carpet treatment and you will create a lasting impression!

By +Sarah Marrinan - Keller Williams Premier Realty 

 Make your home seem warm and welcoming to potential buyers with an inviting atmosphere. This will encourage them to stick around, giving them more time to admire the space. Here are some tips to help your home make a lasting impression in even the coldest months.

Crank up the heat. When it’s cold outside, buyers will be grateful for a place to warm up. Turn the thermostat up a couple of degrees to make it extra toasty, or light a fire in the fireplace for an extra homey touch. Just be sure not to leave a fire unattended.

Let in the light. To make your home look bright and open when it’s a bit dreary outside, turn on all the lights and open all the shades and curtains to let in as much natural light as possible. Use amber-colored light bulbs to give your home a warm glow.

Create appealing aromas. The scent of freshly baked cookies, cinnamon rolls or apple pie is almost universally appealing. Avoid artificial fragrances like sprays and scented candles, which might affect buyers' allergies. If your house has been closed up tightly, you may want to open all the windows and doors for just a few minutes each day to freshen things up.

Offer warm treats. If delicious aromas are wafting through your home, follow through by having food and drinks available for buyers, such as cookies, hot chocolate or apple cider set out.

Play soothing sounds. Classical or jazz music playing softly in the background can add to your home’s inviting atmosphere. An acoustical holiday music CD may be seasonally appropriate.

Add seasonal adornments. While overly large decorations or an abundance of decorations can distract buyers from your home, tasteful wintry accents can complement your decor. Consider a simple wreath on the door, a vase filled with poinsettias on an end table, or a centerpiece made of pine cones on the dining room table. Simple or professionally done exterior holiday lights will help light a buyer's way on those winter months when the sun sets early.

Emphasize cozy comfort. As a finishing touch, emphasize the comfort of your home with luxurious and inviting fabrics, like soft blankets, plush towels or a silky tablecloth.