If you missed the coveted spring selling season, there’s no need to worry. The cooler months have become a hot time to sell a home, with serious buyers willing to pay asking price for good properties. If your home is on the market as the temperatures drop, consider these tips and strategies for turning up the heat on your sale.
A time for serious buyers. January is the most popular month for corporate relocation, so prospective buyers who need to make career moves will be ready to buy in the winter. Research also shows that many New Year’s resolutions also include moving, so serious buyers will often come out for the first time after the holidays.
Keep it toasty. While you may be tempted to minimize utility bills in the cold weather, you will need to create a warm atmosphere in your home. You want a prospective buyer to feel how cozy the home can be when it’s cold outside. Remember, you are selling more than just a home — you’re selling a lifestyle.
Clean and clear the exterior. If you live in an area that gets lots of precipitation in the winter months, be sure to keep your driveways and walkways clear and ice-free. First and foremost, you have an obligation to ensure your entrances are safe, but you also want to create a neat and clean exterior that invites a prospective buyer into the home.
Bring in the light. Winter is often dark, even during the day. You can create a bright, warm space during the colder months by opening blinds and curtains. This will also showcase the season’s beauty by allowing foliage and winter snowscapes to be visible from the windows.
Light the fire. Showcasing a fireplace or wood-burning stove is the perfect way to create a cozy atmosphere in your home. Setting the scene with a crackling fire, comfy pillows and blankets in a cozy room will attract a winter buyer to your safe haven. The smell of baked goods also adds to the warm ambiance.
Embrace the season. Winter holidays present several opportunities to decorate your home, giving it a warm and inviting feeling — one that buyers can imagine experiencing themselves. Keeping the décor tasteful is the only consideration.
Finally, with fewer homes on the market during the colder months, there will be less competition with your home. Creating a serene space, then enjoy a likely swift sell!