It doesn’t matter what time of year you decide to sell, there’s always a list of season-specific tasks that must be completed to ensure your home is presentation-perfect when buyers start walking through your door.
If you’re planning your move right now, you’ll be figuring out how to make the most of the winter market and beat the deluge of properties that will go up for sale in spring.
Conventional thinking suggests selling in winter is a bad idea, but that’s not true. At this time of year, there are fewer properties for sale, which means buyers have less choice and cannot squeeze you on price as they would if the market was awash with opportunities.
For sure, some properties are more suited to a winter sale: those with fabulous fireplaces, plush furnishings and fixtures that promise a welcoming, warm refuge from the elements.
To make your home perfect for winter, double down on a few features that will make buyers take note at this time of year.
Happy holidays
The festive season brings out the best in many neighborhoods. Holiday decorations warm the heart and will play to your advantage when prospective buyers visit.
Don’t go bauble crazy
While your neighbors may have a competition for the best holiday display, you should resist the urge. Indoors, restrict yourself to a tasteful tree. All things in moderation – we need to show buyers the property, not your enthusiasm for decorations.
Fire it up
If you have a lovely fireplace, we’ve got to capitalize on this feature. However, make sure your home doesn’t smell of smoke. In winter, when the doors and windows stay shut, we need to keep your home smelling sweet.
Blaze of glory
Allow as much natural light into the home as possible. Often, buyers visit when days are overcast or the sun’s going down. Switch on your lights in the late afternoon so your home is never dark during walk-throughs. If you use low-voltage bulbs, get brighter replacements for the sales campaign.
Curb, your enthusiasm
Yes, get enthusiastic about your curb appeal. Clear the driveway of fallen leaves and any debris from trees. Make sure your hedge has been trimmed and the lawn is neat. Put any bins out of sight. If buyers visit late in the day, turn on the porch lights.
Turn up the heat
Many buyers will probably enter your home on a cold or chilly day. You want them to feel the warmth of your welcome in more ways than one. Turn up the heat so they enjoy an immediate respite from any inclement weather.
Coat rack
Allow buyers to hang their coats and hats. It will help them feel more at home. Buyers wandering around in a coat and scarf will struggle to see the property as their next home.
Shoe stop
It’s also a good idea to have somewhere for visitors to take off their shoes when they come inside. If you have a busy day of walk-throughs, you don’t want wet or muddy footprints everywhere.