frosty-bough.jpg
While spring may be recognized as the “best” time to list a home, it doesn’t mean that you have to wait if you’re ready to put your home on the market in the winter. Here are a few things to consider when selling your home during the winter months to help you move it quickly and for the best price possible:
Take flattering exterior photos: Your yard may not look its best during the winter, as the grass may be dormant, the trees bare, or dead leaves scattered on the lawn. If possible, use exterior photos from the spring or summer with a lush, green lawn and full trees. However, winter photos aren’t always out of the question, especially on a lovely snowy day.
Safety first: If you live in an area that sees ice or snow, make the entrance to your home not only inviting, but safe. If someone were to slip and fall, it may result in not only an injury, but a potential lawsuit. Shovel the walkways and sprinkle a layer of sand over any areas where potential visitors may stroll. Also, clear the area where people park their cars so they’re not stepping out into a pile of snow or slush.
Create an inviting entry: First impressions matter and a clutter-free home is always more appealing. It’s easy to kick off muddy boots and hang wet jackets in the entryway, but take the time to stash these items out-of-sight in a closet or garage. Freshen up entryway floors in between showings to eliminate any muddy or wet tracks and purchase an inexpensive doormat to keep things clean and enhance the look of the entryway.
Let there be light: Natural light is limited during the winter with the shorter days, so remember to turn on plenty of interior and exterior lights to make your home more inviting (double check for any bulbs that may need replacing). Consider installing additional landscape lighting (for example, leading up the walkway) which can be an inexpensive way to add curb appeal and improve the safety for any visitors.
Keep it cozy: There’s nothing more welcoming than coming in from the chilly outdoors to a toasty home with a crackling fire. A freezing home is not an inviting home, so keep all the rooms at a comfortable temperature when you’re anticipating potential buyers. If the home is vacant and you haven’t used the heat for a bit, don’t wait until the last second to turn it on in case it takes more time than expected to warm the entire space.