If you want to sell your home quickly and efficiently, there’s no better time than winter.
Even though days are starting to turn chilly, there are a number of factors in your favor.
There will be fewer new properties coming onto the market to compete with you. Indeed, Zillow has just released data saying month-over-month listings have dropped 7.3% – this trend works in your favor.
And as an experienced agent, I can testify to the fact that winter attracts genuine buyers only. Usually, they’re looking to make a decision before the New Year so they can settle the family into their new neighborhood, or be set for a new employment situation.
Winter is also a time when leases on rental apartments tend to end, and those who have been saving for a new home will now start their search in earnest.
It should also be easier to handle the closing process. The hectic nature of the spring and summer markets means lenders and lawyers can get swamped, creating a logjam that is stressful for sellers and buyers alike.
Also, I know there are a number of buyers who have missed out during the summer selling season. A good agent knows exactly how to find these folks, and your home could be the answer to their prayers!
So, have no fear about selling in winter. A well-presented home will always find motivated buyers.
Here are 10 tips for preparing your home to suit the increasingly chilly weather outside:
Master the digital presentation – You need a strong digital component to your marketing campaign. Many buyers think twice about venturing into the rain, sleet or snow in the hope they might find their dream home. So, give them confidence with a high-quality video presentation or 3D walkthrough.
Pre-listing inspection – Get a building report so buyers know the quality of the home and its standard of maintenance. If they have a strong interest in your property, they’ll order their own report. But by taking the initiative, you reduce buyer doubts and strengthen your negotiating position.
Clean entry – When buyers walk through the door, make sure they’re not confronted by damp raincoats and wet shoes. Your entryway needs to be immaculate. Provide a clean, stylish welcome mat and a discreet basket for buyers to put their wet boots and coats.
Holiday elegance – If you’re showing your home as the Holidays approach, keep your decorations to a minimum. A large tree covered in tinsel will make your main living area feel small and insubstantial. Just for this year, tone it down.
Warm welcome – Shift the usual focus from curb appeal (which is naturally limited) to features that combat the cold. Highlight your fireplace and recent HVAC maintenance. Address buyers’ biggest cold-weather concerns.
Prioritize safety – Your garden walkways and driveway should be clear. Make sure decks and patios are swept and tidy. Safe, clear paths create an excellent impression of a well-maintained home.
Light it up – As the evenings get shorter, lighting is a valuable staging tool. Turn on all interior lights for showings, including closet lights and under-cabinet lighting. Change harsh white bulbs for soft, warm-toned LEDs that cast a golden glow to counter the gray outside.
Danish strategy – “Hygge” is a Danish word to capture the cozy comfort of a home in winter. Follow the Danes by including in your living areas luxurious textures like chunky knit throws and plush pillows in neutral, warm colors like cream, taupe and ocher.
Show times – Work with your agent to be as flexible as possible when it comes to walkthrough requests. You’re spending a lot of money on a marketing campaign, so make sure you’re available when a buyer wants to view your home. Don’t turn anyone away!
Closing tip – New industry data suggests 20% of homes are bought after the seller offers a discount. To avoid dropping your price, offer a pre-set dollar amount (maybe $5,000) for the buyer’s closing costs. This way, the price doesn’t become the focus for negotiation.