The general belief in real estate is that winter is not the time to sell your home, but that is just not the case! Winter is actually a great time to put your house on the market. For one, there is less inventory, which means less competition! Though selling your home during the colder months does pose a unique set of challenges, with many sellers wondering how to create a warm and welcoming environment when the outside world is anything but, there are actually several inexpensive (and even free!) ways to make your home appealing to buyers, no matter the season.
Consider these budget-friendly tips to prep your home for both buyers and guests while your competition is hibernating away this season.
Clear your pathways.
Of course, one of the most important things you can do for your entryway is to make sure your pathways are clear and hazard-free. This includes raking away leaves and debris and/or shoveling snow, depending on your weather. If it is snowy out, you’ll want to make sure your walkways have been de-iced. Beyond your entryway, you’ll also want to make sure your back yard and any seating areas are shoveled and raked, as well. This will allow potential buyers to gauge the true size of the space.
Ensure a welcoming entrance.
Just because the grass is no longer green and your flowers aren’t in bloom doesn’t mean that you can’t have a warm, welcoming entrance. The winter weather does not have to affect your curb appeal, and there are several ways to achieve this. Hang a wreath on your front door, for example. Whether it’s faux or made from natural elements, it’s sure to add that homey touch. Consider a cute welcome mat or add some faux greenery to your pots for a pop of color. And lastly, don’t be afraid to decorate for the season!
Cozy up the temperature.
Nobody likes hanging out in a space that’s too cold. You’ll want to ensure maximum comfort by keeping your thermostat at 70 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. The more comfortable your guests feel, the longer they will stay. AKA more time to fall in love with your home!
Organize your winter gear.
Organization is a must when staging your home, but so is bundling up to brave that winter weather. So where do you put all those coats, scarves, and boots? We recommend having a designated space with a few hooks or extra hangers and a mat for the wet boots for guests/buyers who want to take off their outer layers while touring your home. In fact, you *should* encourage buyers to take off their jackets — they’ll stay longer and feel more comfortable while checking out the rooms!
Ensure ample lighting.
The winter months come with much less daylight, making it even more important to pay attention to your light sources this season. You’ll want to keep your lights on and blinds open to ensure maximum natural lighting. You can even switch to brighter bulbs or simply clean your light fixtures. It’s also smart to keep your home well lit even when you’re not there so that it still looks inviting to the passerby who happen to see it in the evenings.
Decorate for the season.
Just because you are showing your home, doesn’t mean you can’t decorate for the season! Winter is the season for celebration, which is a good enough reason to put up some holiday decorations to give your home a happy and friendly vibe. However, this does not mean it’s time to display every knickknack you’ve ever purchased. Noisy symbols, loudly laughing Santas, and extra bright decorations are better left scaled down. Neutral decor, some twinkling lights, and natural elements, such as some wreaths or a Christmas tree, should give your home the perfect touch of holiday elegance. If you choose to skip the decorations altogether, you can still add some warmth by placing drapery, throw blankets, and possibly an area rug throughout your home.
Consider your fireplace.
Fireplaces are great interior elements that can easily become an important focal point within your home. Working or not, you can maximize this eye-catching element while staging your home. If you don’t typically use your fireplace, consider placing some gorgeous, silver birch logs inside to give it a rustic, homey feel, especially if your decor has accents of reclaimed wood. Decorating with candles is another great way to give your non-working fireplace an inviting glow.
Show off the possibilities.
If you have an exceptional back yard or a sunroom that you can’t quite show off during the winter months, you can strategically place large photographs in those key areas to show what that space looks like during the warmer months. Pictures of your yard, garden, and patio or deck are especially useful for buyers to envision their life here in the warmer months, after the thaw.
Last but not least…
Now that you’ve made your home warm and inviting for buyers and guests alike, everybody will be ready to cuddle up with a nice throw and drink some cocoa…so don’t forget to bake some cookies or have cider or cocoa on deck when buyers are coming over. It’s an instant hook!
