Though spring is the most popular time to sell a home, there are quite a few benefits to selling in the winter. There’s typically less inventory, so there will be less competition for buyers. A baby boom tends to happen around September, meaning new parents will be looking for a larger home during the winter months. These buyers and those who are relocating due to a job change tend to be more serious buyers. If you find yourself needing to sell your home during the cold months, here are some tips to do so successfully.
Winter Selling Tips
- Clear walking paths – We don’t get a lot of snow around here, but it does happen. If you happen to have a showing after a snowfall, make sure that you’ve cleared a path to your front door. You may have already cleared a path to your driveway, but potential buyers will enter your home through the front door.
- Provide adequate lighting – Since the winter months are drab, you’ll want to do everything you can to make your home brighter. Make sure your open all the shades, pull back all the curtains and turn every light on. Since the trees have no leaves in the winter months, your windows will be on full display, and dirty windows won’t let as much light in. Give them a good scrubbing!
- Clean up – In addition to your windows, you’ll want to make sure other aspects of your home are sparkling. Besides eliminating clutter, there are a few things you want to make sure you take care of. Clean out any cobwebs and dust the furniture, ceiling fans and light fixtures. Polish chrome faucets and mirrors. Bleach dirty grout and re-caulk showers, tubs and sinks. Clean floors and vacuum daily.
- Make sure your home is warm – Keep your heat turned up to 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit to keep your potential buyers comfortable. Not only does it make your home feel homier, it gives the impression that it’s energy efficient.
- Stage your home – A good home staging can create a path for potential buyers to follow through your home that shows off its best features with focal points that define each area.
- Think about mood and ambiance – There are little things you can do to make your home feel cozier like putting afghans or throws across the arms of your sofa, setting your dining room table for dinner for two, setting a breakfast tray on your bed with a coffee cup, saucer, and reading material, and placing vases filled flowers around your home. You can create aural ambiance by turning on soft music such a light jazz or classical music throughout the house.
- Be careful about scents – Some people are allergic to certain fragrances and deodorizers, so try to avoid scented candles, plug-in fresheners and perfume.
- Add color – You don’t have to give in to the winter blahs. Add a splash of color with pillows or greenery for warmth and comfort. This will really help with your listing photos as well.
Looking for real estate services in Gainesville, Haymarket or Bristow? Contact your local real estate expert Belinda Jacobson-Loehle of Jacobson Realty and Home Staging In Gainesville, Virginia today. Also be sure to sign up now for a FREE copy of my eBook, “The Real Estate Key – What You Need to Know!”
1,808 total views, 1 views today