Simply put, most home sellers avoid the Winter season altogether. Be it due to cold air, the hectic nature of the holiday season, or a lack of leaves, people generally avoid going house-hunting in the Winter. It’s these reasons and more that some sellers choose to amp up their efforts in the Winter, as while there may be less buyers, there’s also less sellers. Here are the 8 most important tips for maximizing your home’s potential for sale in the Wintertime:
1. Take advantage of the winter season
While it’s a natural tendency of home sellers to focus on the perks available to buyers in the Summertime, the same can’t necessarily be said of those selling in the Winter. Whether your home is close to a ski/sledding area, has great views that are obscured in the Summer, or is situated in a town known for its Winter-related festivities, it’s important to make the most out of any season one finds themselves in when selling a home.
2. Light a fire
If you have a fireplace, be sure to keep a fire burning during any showings that you’re able to be around for. While it’s not wise to leave a fire burning in an unoccupied house, keeping one going during an open house will bring light and warmth to the home (which is especially important in a season known for its lack of such qualities).
3. Pay attention to footwear
To be fair, each season has its own challenges to overcome- homesellers in the Fall need to keep their lawn free of leaves, while Spring buyers should be sure to have outdoor plants well-maintained. In the Wintertime, however, sellers should pay attention to people’s shoes- ensuring that they’re taken off upon entering the home, that rubber mats are placed by the door for snowy boots, and that one-size-fits-all slippers are purchased for visitors. This will not only protect your floors from dirt and salt, but also develop an air of attention towards the home’s care (which buyers will appreciate).
4. Develop an air of festivity
Make it a rule that every potential buyer that walks into your home feels like it’s theirs. Leaving out cider and cookies, as well as setting the dining-room table with fine china, can allow visitors to feel comfortable as well as imagine how they’d entertain if they were to live there.
5. Don’t skimp on your heating bill
While it can be tempting and even prudent to save costs while selling your home, skimping on heating during the Wintertime is a no-no, assuming you’d like potential buyers to not be intently focused on leaving for their heated cars as soon as possible. Make sure the heat in your home is on at least a few hours before buyers are expected to arrive, to prepare for the possibility that buyers may arrive earlier than initially planned.
6. Salt and shovel regularly
Maintaining your home’s walkways, driveway and front steps will provide two key advantages over those that don’t: one, it’ll allow buyers to get in the home safely and easily, and two, it provides an air of care and attention (much like wearing slippers instead of shoes). If you’re not living in the home you wish to sell, consider hiring a service to salt and shovel your walkways.
7. Keep your windows clean
Strong southern light in the winter can reveal window grime that otherwise wouldn’t be visible. Keep your windows clean, not only for the purpose of maintaining a tidy household, but for allowing light to serve as point of strength, not weakness.
8. Make it comfortable
There’s a clear trend in preparing a house to be sold in the Wintertime- increase accessibility and comfort for potential buyers. While the Spring and Summer seasons easily lend themselves to brightness and cheer, you’ll need to go the extra mile to maintain the same effect if you want to sell in the Wintertime. Adding small touches of comfort, such as an afghan rug or throw pillow on beds and sofas, will make a substantial impact on a buyer’s vision for the home.
Resource Links:
http://www.boston.com/realestate/gallery/winter_selling/
http://www.styleathome.com/homes/real-estate/how-to-sell-your-home-in-winter/a/32965
http://homebuying.about.com/od/sellingahouse/qt/WinterSelling.htm