While winter may not be the most ideal time to sell your home, someone is always on the lookout for a new property, regardless of the season. Despite the weather, you can make your home look inviting to entice prospective buyers. With fewer homes on the market in winter, following these tips could lead to a sale–even above asking price.
1. Make a Great First Impression
A warm and welcoming home starts with the exterior. Add a pop of colour to your front porch with seasonal decor, planters, and a door wreath. Winter glare will highlight any dirt and imperfections, so if the weather permits, wash your siding and paintwork on a mild day. Lay down a rubber mat in the entryway for wet boots. Before a viewing, consider baking cookies to offer a snack–and an enticing smell through the house.
2. Tend to Your Property and Pathways
Ensure pathways, porches, patios, and decks are clear of snow and ice. If possible, keep your outdoor furniture set up so potential buyers can envision how they could use the space. Detract from the gray skies with seasonal landscaping. If snow has melted, edge garden beds, add a fresh layer of mulch, and remove any dead leaves or vegetation. Cut back any protruding branches from walkways and entrances.
3. Warm Up the Interior
The buyer will want to know your heating is efficient and will experience this firsthand during a tour of the home. Drafts from windows and doors are more noticeable in the winter, so consider whether you should replace your windows and front door before putting your home on the market as these updates can be a significant selling point. Once it’s time for a showing, open curtains and blinds and turn on all the lights to brighten your home. Ensure the thermostat is set to a comfortable temperature to encourage the prospective buyer to stay longer. Burn some candles, and if you have a fireplace, ensure it’s lit to add warmth and ambiance.
4. Add Exterior Lighting
Outdoor lighting highlights a home and provides an element of safety and security. Keep your home well-lit for buyers passing by the property in the evening. Add path lighting and spotlights to create a warm glow and increase visibility. String lights and lanterns can add a nice finishing touch to your front entrance.