Selling your home in the winter may seem like less work than selling your home in the summer. From creating a warm, inviting space in your home, to clearing your driveway for potential viewers, to making sure any essential home renovation and repair is complete, we’ve compiled some ways to prepare your home in the winter and help maximize your selling potential.
If you think selling your home in the winter is the same as selling your home in the summer, well, that’s a cold take. Each season has its distinct benefits when it comes to listing a home, so how can you take advantage of the snow and frigid temperatures?
If you think selling your home in the winter is the same as selling your home in the summer, well, that’s a cold take. Each season has its distinct benefits when it comes to listing a home, so how can you take advantage of the snow and frigid temperatures?
If you’re thinking about selling your home in the winter, here are some tips on how to prepare for a successful sale.
Landscaping
Despite not being able to appreciate the lusciousness of your garden or lawn in the winter, landscaping shouldn’t be neglected. Landscaping is your ultimate first impression, the walk up the driveway shouldn’t be underestimated. A buyer will feel confident in seasonal maintenance if it has been completed and that you’ve taken care of your home inside and out.
Removing anything that’s unlikely to survive the winter so there aren’t dead plants in the garden. If you’d like to add some greenery, consider an evergreen kind so they look healthy. If you have pets, ensure you’ve removed any droppings and yellow snow before potential buyers show up. Even if your area doesn’t get much snow, make sure your front yard is well-kept, with any dead leaves raked up and thrown away.
Clear your driveway and pathway
Shovelling snow is twofold in terms of safety and removing the thoughts buyers conjure up of having to do it themselves. Consider installing solar-powered lights to help illuminate the path and be sure to salt/sand any walking paths to lower the risk of a fall for potential buyers.
Winter-resistant furniture in the front and backyard
Create a welcoming first impression by staging your front porch with durable furniture and winter-resistant blankets and rugs. Warm lighting provided by lanterns that can withstand the cold will also add to the charm. The backyard is just as important, so be sure to shovel patios and decks, and set it up in a way that highlights how the space can be used year-round.
Create a warm and inviting space
Selling in the winter months gives home sellers an opportunity to create a very welcoming, cozy vibe to their space. Staging works, and winter is certainly a time to get creative. Ensure the home is at a comfortable temperature, and if there’s a fireplace, make sure it’s turned on, or lit if it’s wood. We always use candles at our open houses in the winter time, nicely scented like gingerbread, baking, apples, or pine.
Embrace neutral seasonal décor
If you’re planning festive celebrations, it’s best to avoid flashing lights and large decorations that could shrink the size of your space, as well as overtly religious ornaments.
For outside it’s nice to have some winter décor welcoming buyers to the property—a simple wreath, flower pots with birch branches and twinkle lights, solar powered walkway lights, and pay attention to overall lighting outside.
Even when you’ve succeeded in transforming the exterior and interior of your home to be both charming and inviting, if possible, show photos from other seasons in your listing because, the more guesswork you take out of the equation, the more a buyer can make an informed decision they feel comfortable with.
Overall, selling your home in the winter can be advantageous! However, it’s always best to talk to someone that you trust! If you’re curious about selling your home in the winter months and want to know if it will work for you, get in touch with us and we can help you!
