Even though winter months have a reputation for being a slow seller’s market, there are many ways unique real estate opportunities the season brings. First, there is less competition from other sellers. Second, a buyer looking for a home during the winter will typically be more motivated to purchase. Take advantage of these factors with these tips.
Make it Warm
Buyers should feel toasty from the moment they walk in the door. The change in ambience will create warm and cozy feelings during their viewing of your home.
Consider increasing your thermostat to about 20-21 degrees about an hour before people viewing your home show up. Try not to let the heat become too hot. Run a humidifier for several hours a day if your home tends to feel dry when the furnace runs.
Make it Look Warm, Too
In addition to the actual temperature, visual cues can enhance the sensation of coziness in your home. Add a tasteful rug to large areas of bare hardwood. Throw a plush afghan or comforter over the side of the couch.
If you have a fireplace, try to stage your home so that it is the centerpiece of your living room or den. Have wood logs stacked ready to go for normal fireplaces. Consider lighting up a gas fireplace before buyers arrive to create an impressive display.
Embrace Holiday Cheer- Within Reason!
The holidays bring out some of the most vibrant and cheery decorations of the year. Not everybody is into celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah or other holidays as much as the next person.
Try to find a middle ground with timeless, neutral decorations. A wreath on the door and some boughs on the porch make perfect handsome accents that add to curb appeal. A Christmas tree in the living room with minimal decorations and perhaps a few presents also amps up the festive feel.
What you want to avoid are gobs of light strings and deflated yard decorations that can come across as tacky to more reserved home viewers. Aim for a look that is rooted in the past, instead.
Keep Your Home Clear of Snow, Ice and Mud
While it may not snow very often around UBC homes for sale, temperatures can still drop below freezing during the night. Make sure that your walkways are free of ice before every showing. Also be sure to remove any icicles or built up ice dams around your eaves. These can lead to water damage.
Finally, avoid tracking mud into your home, on your walkways or having grime from melts streaking your windows. A home should look fresh and pristine to give buyers a positive impression.
With these tips, you should increase your odds of finding an interested buyer during these cold months. Take a look at our seller’s page to find out more about how to attract buyers to your property.
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