8 Tips for Selling Your Home Over the Winter
If your house is hitting the real estate market over the winter, don’t despair. While home buyers tend to fall off sharply when temperatures start to drop, the inventory also tends to slow – which can work in your favor as a seller.
No matter what season it may be or how the market has been forecasted, all it takes is one buyer, and you’re set. If you’re gearing up to list your house during the winter months, here are some tips to make your property stand out.
1. Have Winter Systems Checked
Before listing your house, hire a professional to inspect your heating system, fireplaces, and any seasonal systems to be sure they are all in working order. Check the doors and windows for leaks so buyers won’t feel any cold drafts. If necessary, installing new seals and insulation is relatively affordable and worthwhile.
When you’re finished, inform your real estate agent so they can mention these good-to-know details during showings.
2. Prioritize Snow Removal
If you live in a snowy climate like New York, make sure that the driveway, sidewalks, and walkways around your house are shoveled and salted. You’ll also want to clear the snow off any decks, porches, and patios. If you have outdoor furniture, set it up so anyone looking at your property can envision how they can utilize the space during warmer months.
3. Pump Up the Curb Appeal
Winter calls for creativity with curb appeal. Lighting is a crucial piece of the puzzle, as it has the power to beautify your home even on the dreariest of days. Outside, hang lanterns or twinkle lights to cozy up a deck or patio area. If your mailbox isn’t looking so good, buy a new one or give the old one a makeover to bring it back into style.
4. Add Seasonal Pops of Color
Work with what’s in season to add pops of color to your property and entryway. If there isn’t snow on the ground, spruce up the landscaping by removing leaves and dead vegetation, edging flower beds, and adding fresh mulch. Use fresh wreaths or topiaries to brighten up your front door and porch.
5. Include Photography from Other Seasons
The greenery and brightness of spring and summer add beauty like none other, so if you’re able to include photographs of your house in other seasons in your listing, do it. This gives buyers a broader perspective on your home’s beauty throughout the year in case the winter weather is persuading them otherwise.
6. Accentuate the Cozy
The urge to hibernate in winter is real, and having a cozy place to come home to is the next best thing. Do whatever you can to boost the coziness of your home.
If there’s a fireplace, make sure to highlight that in the photos. Create an inviting environment with soft blankets resting on the arms of chairs. If you have a formal dining room, set the table as if you’re preparing for a nice dinner. Consider hiring a home stager to help make sure the rooms flow and highlight your home’s best features.
7. Clean Until it Sparkles
Deep cleaning your house is of the utmost importance no matter what season you’re selling in. Scrubbing surfaces, washing windows, and removing cobwebs and dust will automatically put your home’s best face forward, so to speak.
Decluttering will also improve the appearance of your house. Closets that are bursting at the seams can lead potential buyers to think the home lacks storage. If you have extra seating or furniture, consider placing it in storage temporarily. Rooms with less clutter give the illusion of more space, regardless of your square footage.
8. Illuminate the Interior
Let as much natural light into your home as possible by opening blinds and curtains for the photographs. If you don’t have appealing views from the windows, you can close the blinds or curtains for showings. Either way, when you have showings, you can turn on the lights (overhead and lamps alike) in every room to give buyers the best view.
Residential and Commercial Real Estate Attorneys in New York and New Jersey
These are some of the best things you can implement if you’re listing your property for sale over the winter months. Levin Law Group has experienced real estate attorneys and lawyers who can assist you throughout New York and New Jersey and wherever you may be relocating to or from.
Our real estate attorneys are equipped to represent you with your residential or commercial real estate closings. Levin Law Group real estate lawyers are adept at assisting buyers and sellers with purchasing or selling co-ops, condos, and single or multi-family homes. Call us today at 1-800-517-5240 to get a free consultation and see how we can assist you this winter or any time of year.