Life @ Home eNewsletter: October 2022 [Sellers]

» Is your listing languishing? Strategies to reset and freshen your approach
» Brighten a dark room using these designer tips
» Top U.S. cities to celebrate Halloween

So your house is lingering on the market for weeks, perhaps even months — long after you had hoped to get an offer. Navigating through a buyer’s market has its difficulties, but these time-tested tips can breathe new life into your listing.

Reconsider your asking price

While everyone wants to sell at top value, it’s smart to verify that your pricing isn’t out of sync with the rest of the market. Even a small price adjustment can revive interest in your home.

Take a break

If you’re not in a time crunch, pausing your listing can give you time to reset and reenergize your strategy. Also, when your property is back up on the listings, a new email blast will go out, getting your property in front of a new batch of buyers and real estate agents.

Invest in curb appeal

Don’t underestimate the power of a first impression. A few updates to your exterior — a fresh coat of paint, potted plants, a power wash — can be the ultimate refresh.

Hire a professional

When marketing your house, top-notch visuals can give your listing the edge in a competitive market. Once a professional stager gets your home in top selling condition, hire a photographer to make compelling images to increase clicks and views.

As the days grow shorter, there’s no reason to endure a dreary room. Take on some of these weekend projects and enjoy the transformation.

Go with light hues on floors and walls

White paint or white tiling is the simplest way to get light bouncing around the room.

Bright accents

Going bold on hues and fun patterns for rugs, throw pillows and accent chairs brings instant levity to living rooms, bedrooms and other spaces.

Open the window

That is, retire the heavy drapes and let the sun shine in. Your plants and pets will thank you for it.

Mirror, mirror

A large panel of reflecting glass can dial up the brightness in a winter room — while a pretty frame adds a focal point.

Shine on

Choosing upholstery and accessories featuring metallics adds another place to bounce off rays of light.

Think like a lighting designer

Before shopping for lamps and fixtures, consider what the room needs at different times of day. Wall sconces are essential during twilight and on cloudy days. Also, consider the temperature of the light bulbs — cool lights and warm lighting can impact the mood of the room.

Get your greens

In the depths of winter and dark skies, touches of living green add life and cheer to any space. To achieve a more impactful design with plants, build a living wall.

Sleepy Hollow, New York: Haunted historic sites and live theater

St. Helens, Oregon: All-ages fun in a charming small town

Anoka, Minnesota: Chock-full of family-friendly activities

Las Vegas: Partying for the 21-and-older crowd

New Orleans: Festivals and haunted sites