Winter not only brings the harshest weather, but what can also be the slowest house-selling time. The months May through August see the most homes sold, which means that selling your home in the winter can be difficult. Fortunately, selling a home in the winter isn’t impossible—with help from these tips!
- Maintain curb appeal through rain and snow. Tree leaves start covering the yard during autumn, but if you regularly rake and bag the leaves, you can keep your yard looking neat and groomed. Snow isn’t common in the South, but if does snow while you’re selling your home in the winter, make sure you clear a path in the driveway and to the front door!
- Use proper lighting indoors to brighten your home. Night comes sooner in the winter, meaning there is an increased chance in potential buyers touring your house in the evening while it’s dark. Change out your lightbulbs for soft, white lights in the living room and bedrooms and daylight bulbs in the bathrooms. In rooms with dark corners or few windows, add extra floor lamps. You can also open wide curtains and blinds to increase natural lighting during the day and make your windows look bigger.
- Use minimal seasonal decorations. Putting up holiday decorations might be tempting—and even what you normally do in December—but avoid too many seasonal decorations while selling your home in the winter. A few holiday decorations are fine, though, like a gorgeous Christmas tree or some white lights strung in or outside the home.
- Make the interior warm and cozy. If it’s cold outside, you want to make your home inviting to potential buyers by turning up the heat a little higher than normal. If you have a fireplace, ensure it’s on while guests are touring.
- Avoid scented objects. Keep in mind that some people are allergic or sensitive to perfumes, air fresheners, and scented candles. Additionally, scenting your home heavily might give potential buyers the impression that you have something to hide.
- Keep your home maintained. Fix anything that’s broken and repair anything close to breaking. Dust the furniture, clear out all cobwebs you find, and sweep and vacuum the carpets and hard flooring. Don’t forget to do your best to remove stains. Potential buyers will take notice.
- Go for minimal, cozy, and ambient decorations. You don’t want to overwhelm potential buyers by decorating your home the way you and your family would. Opt for minimalistic decorations like neutral colors, few picture frames—if any, and one or two throw blankets over the couch and recliner to give touring guests room to envision the space as theirs.
- Show pictures of what the home’s exterior looks like during the spring and summer. This tip will help your guests imagine the house when the trees and plants are in full bloom and the grass is green!
- Offer snacks or meals fitting for the season. Whether you’re having an open house or inviting a couple for a tour of the house, offer food like warm soups, hot cocoa and cider, and fresh cookies to encourage guests to linger and enjoy the home. This will also help make their experience more memorable!
Now that you’re ready for selling your home in the winter, you have a better chance of attracting potential buyers to your house! For help selling your home in Auburn, Opelika, and Lake Martin during any season, call Ryan Roberts at 334-750-9872 or email him at [email protected]. For more homebuying and selling advice, continue following the Ryan Roberts Blog!
