Selling a property doesn’t require the perfect time of the year, when the bees are buzzing, the trees are in bud and the sun stretches the evenings just a little further.
Any agent will tell you that spring the most popular season for open houses but that doesn’t make it the best time to sell.
Spring is also when an avalanche of new properties enter the market, strengthening supply so much that it can potentially dampen prices.
Winter sales by contrast, can deliver great results because choice is restricted, and that limits the buyer’s ability to negotiate down the price.
For any winter sale, attention to detail is important. Nothing turns off a potential buyer more than a home that feels cold. It tells them there is insufficient heating and insulation, both of which can cost thousands of dollar to rectify.
Focus on making your home warm and cosy. For each inspection, turn up the heating. If you have a fireplace, then light a warm, inviting fire. Do this in good time so that when potential buyers walk through the fire is settled and glowing, rather than smoky and dirty.
Add furnishings to enhance the appeal of your property. A throw rug of warm colours can do wonders to a room. Fashionable colours feature rich greens with warm, plush fabrics such as velvet – perfect for throw-cushions.
Authentic, cultural wall-hangings and rugs add texture and atmosphere to any room and are at the cutting edge of house fashion right now.
Make sure all the lights are turned on for every inspection, especially if it’s a grey day and make the most of natural light.
Consider rearranging furniture to ensure the light through the windows has the maximum impact.
If your windows haven’t been cleaned for a while, get it done. You’ll be amazed at the extra light that will flood into your home when they’re spotless.
Outside, plant your garden for winter. Emphasise the borders with beautiful grasses and give the area a point of focus. Installing even basic lighting will accentuate its features, especially if you host evening inspections.
Talk to your agent about evening inspections. They will show off the warmth and glow of your home, making it the perfect refuge from the cold and wet outside.
Tips for a winter sale
- Discuss with your agent the benefits of selling in a winter market.
- Time any auction so supply is tight, making your property even more desirable to buyers.
- For inspections, make the house warm and cosy.
- Turn up the heating, or build a fire.
- Add warm furnishings, such as a throw-rug or plush cushions.
- Turn on all lights for each inspection.
- Capitalise on the natural light available: clean the windows and move any furniture away from sources of natural light.
- De-clutter everywhere. And when you think you’ve done it. Do it again!
- Hideaway hats, coats and boots. These bring in dirt and can make a home feel smaller
- Consider evening inspections to accentuate the impact of a warm home while it is cold and windy outside.