Many people believe it’s harder to sell your home in Winter than Summer. But there are a number of real advantages to selling during the cooler months.
With fewer homes on the market, there’s less competition. The things that lead people to make new home purchases — a new job, a growing family, up- or downsizing — happen all year round, and there are still plenty of buyers out there. In fact, winter is a great time for playing up your home’s cozy, family-friendly charm.
Make a Good First Impression
As with any time of year, make sure that the house looks well maintained and cared for, with eaves troughs clean and minor repairs taken care of. While you can’t paint in winter, washing paintwork and siding with warm soapy water on a mild day can make a big difference. Make sure the windows are freshly washed as well; winter light has a way of highlighting grime. Shovel & salt the pathway, and have a rubber mat out for buyers to put their boots on.
Turn on the Heat
Once a prospective buyer comes inside, remember that you may have only 10 to 15 minutes to make a lasting impression. (A small but crucial point for unoccupied homes: make sure the heat is turned on several hours before the showing. All the window-dressing and staging in the world won’t entice buyers to linger inside a home that’s freezing.)
Let in the Light
Pull up the blinds, open the shutters, push back the drapes on every window. Turn on every light in the house, including appliance lights and closet lights. Brighten dark rooms with few windows by placing spotlights on the floor behind furniture. Remember to Turn off televisions and computers.
Create a Mood
- Make your living room appear romantic by placing two champagne glasses near a champagne bucket on the coffee table. Toss afghans or throws across the arms of your sofa.
- Turn on soft music: Jazz or classical is soothing. Don’t turn on a commercial radio station – set your tunes to random selection so your music will be continuous.
- Turn your bathroom into a Spa
- Hang plush robes.
- Roll up wash cloths, tie with a ribbon and place in a basket on the counter.
- Set up a grouping of soaps, lotions and shampoo.
- Place vases filled with winter flowers around the house.
- Set a breakfast tray on the bed containing a coffee cup, saucer, napkin, and rolled-up newspaper.
- Dress your dining room table for a dinner for two.
Use Timers and Technology to Your Advantage
Plug indoor lamps into a timer to automatically turn on at times buyers will be present. Consider using motion sensors that will light up in the evening when a buyer approaches your doorstep. Set your crock pot on a timer to warm up soup at the designated time. If you use an answering machine, turn it off or mute messages.
Ultimately, you want to convey the love, comfort and joy your family has shared in the house so that buyers will be eager to move in and create their own memories.
And of course...
"CHOOSE CAROLYN" at 778-878-4687 for prompt, professional & personal service.
