TOP TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOME IN WINTER
Category News
Lush green foliage has faded to dull tones and there's a chill in the air, but you're motivated to sell your home despite it being winter. Bad weather could discourage prospective buyers from venturing out, but those who brave the weather are serious, motivated, and ready to buy.
The outside is cold and a tad dreary most of the winter. The best way to show off your home is by making it cosy, warm, and welcoming.
Combat the cold with a comfy and inviting space.
Toss faux fur throw blankets across the arms of your couch to add a touch of glamour and comfort to your home. It will make your home a welcoming sight when coming in from the cold outdoors.
Get the fireplace going if you have one. Toasty fireplaces invite buyers to imagine sitting in front of them on a cold winter night with a hot chocolate in their hand.
Create a soothing atmosphere by playing soft music throughout the house.
Place vases filled with flowers around the house to evoke a sense of summer joy.
Let in the Light
Winter means darker days and fewer daylight hours. Pull up the blinds, open the shutters, push back the curtains on every window and let as much natural sunlight in as possible. Turn on the lights in darker rooms. Time your viewings and showings appropriately to get the best possible light.
Make Everything Sparkle
Washing the windows enhances the precious daylight.
Clean out cobwebs.
Dust the furniture, ceiling fan blades, and light fixtures.
Polish chrome faucets and mirrors.
Wash floors, and vacuum daily.
Turn Up the Heat
Nudge up the thermostat. You want the temperature inside to be comfortable and to give a buyer more incentive to linger, especially on a cold day, but you don't want to overdo it.
Go easy on Scents and Smells
It can be tempting to want to make your home smell of pine or warming spice for winter charm, but sometimes this kind of smell can be overpowering to buyers. Many people are also allergic to certain scents and deodorizers, so don't spray the air or use plug-in air fresheners with distinct fragrances.
Feature only one gentle scent throughout the home. Scented candles evoke nostalgic memories and add to the atmosphere but use fresh fragrances like orange and lavender.
The smell of freshly baked cookies or bread, or a home-made hearty soup will add to a cosy homely feeling.
Show off sustainable features.
Buyers in the winter are more motivated to save on energy bills through sustainable practices. So, if your home has energy efficient features, a well-insulated attic space, or a smart thermostat, be sure to point that out when marketing your property.
First impressions count!
Curb appeal is important even in winter months. Do the best you can with it in terms of trimming, edging, and raking out leaves and other debris. Buyers don't expect lush green lawns, but they do expect them neat, and well maintained. Add winter-hardy plants and evergreen scrubs for additional dimension and colour. Be sure to keep your driveway and walkways free of slippery leaves. Spruce up the front porch area by adding a leafy pot plant or two. Your front door should get buyers excited about what's behind it. A fresh coat of paint or stain goes a long way in creating a strong first impression. You can also add new address numbers, maybe some new outdoor lighting fixtures, or a new doormat. Small changes like these can make a big difference!
Fewer Sellers want to market their properties in Winter, and that means that you have less competition. Be sure to capitalise on this fact and offer your home in an excellent condition at a market-related price to secure those serious buyers in the marketplace. It is critical to have a Property Professional at your side who will double down on marketing efforts and maximise exposure for your property.
Author: Adrie Barnard