How to style your home for an inspection this winter in Canberra

Winter is already here in a year like none other, but it may just be the right time to put your home on the market.

Karen Wheelwright of Sold on Styling says there’s often less competition in winter and the right presentation can help deliver a welcome result. She shared her top tips.

“Start outside and work your way in,” she says.

“Clear your lawn and paths of those dead autumn leaves and spread fresh mulch to brighten those garden beds.”

Wheelwright recommends literally putting out the welcome mat.

“Patterned mats – without slogans – look great,” she says.

“They create a welcome with the practical advantage of protecting your floors on wet inspection days.”

She says it’s also really important to draw as much light as possible into your home.

“Choose the best time of day for your open inspections,” Wheelwright says.

“Some houses get great morning sun, while others light up in the afternoon – take advantage of it.”

Vendors with open fireplaces should also crank up a welcoming blaze.

“They warm the home and highlight a really desirable winter feature,” Wheelwright says.

It’s also the time for adding warm colours and texture into the decor mix.

“Chunky knit throws and textured cushions in blush pink clay, rust, mustard and burgundy help create a warm cosy feeling in the bedrooms and living area,” Wheelwright says.

“While deep rich greens and plums add a decadent feel. Textured rugs in the lounge and bedroom also add another layer of cosiness.”

Winter selling formula

• Kerb appeal. Start from the outside and work your way in if preparing your home for sale. Rake up those loose leaves, spread fresh mulch onto the garden beds and replace tired plants.
• Light show. Prune light-blocking branches. Clean the windows so they sparkle, pull back curtains, blinds and sheers and turn on the internal lights. Schedule open inspections to take advantage of the sun.
• Fire and colour. If you have an open fireplace – crank it up. There’s nothing like it to warm buyer feelings. And introduce warmer colours along with textures into soft furnishings and rugs.

Allhomes’ top pick of winter warming homes for sale:

Ainslie

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You couldn’t get more Ainslie than this gem.

It’s a perfect snapshot of Canberra architecture circa the 1920s: red brick teamed with white render on the exterior; double timber sash windows and terracotta roof tiles spotted with lichen.

And it’s sitting on more than 1000 square metres. They don’t make them like that any more.

This is a heritage treasure and listed as such. It’s named after the first surveyor-general of NSW, Baron Augustus Alt, and is the only crescent off Limestone Avenue.

This distinctive home with 235 square metres of living oozes charisma in a property market that it might be said often gives the impression of a certain design uniformity.

Number 4 has been respectfully renovated to position its charm for a new generation who appreciate the best in contemporary living, but appreciate character elements including high ceilings, sash windows, polished timber flooring and original picture rails.

You’ll love the ducted gas heating. But the real charm is in the fireplaces, one in the entry and a slow combustion log fire in the lounge.

The renovated kitchen is highlighted by beautiful timber windows and includes the modern essentials with Caesarstone benchtops, new cabinetry and modern appliances.

There are four bedrooms with a study off the second bedroom. And parents will love the inclusion of yet another fireplace in the main bedroom.

There’s a large pergola off the home and a brick construction, single garage.

Price guide: $1.65 million +

Auction: 11am, June 6

Agent: LJ Hooker Dickson, Stephen Bunday 0416 014 431

Or try these:

Monash

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Price guide: Mid-$700,000s

Auction: 11:30am, June 13

Agent: Independent Tuggeranong, Jacob Stanton 6209 777

Dickson

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Price guide: $749,000 +

Private sale

Agent: PRD Canberra, Alex Wang 6262 5232

Kingston

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Price guide: $895,000

Private sale

Agent: Dovers & Co Property Services, Stuart Dovers 0413 836 330