The winter months is generally believed to be the least favourable time to put a home on the market. While it is a busy time of year for most people, and home inventories in many markets are indeed low, it doesn’t necessarily mean winter is a bad time to sell. People are searching for and purchasing homes no matter what time of year it is. And there are clear benefits to consider choosing to sell during winter.
Competition is less fierce, buyers tend to be more serious, deals can happen faster, and it can be a wonderful time to show your home. Plus, despite popular belief, there is little evidence to show that home prices sag during this season, some experts say the opposite is true.
That said, with fewer buyers out there are some challenges to selling your home during winter, but nothing that a little planning and preparation can’t help with. Here are some sounds ideas to help get your home on the market and ready for a successful holiday sale.
1. Exterior looks counts more than ever
Spring and summer aesthetics are tops for most people, but buyers in the winter can be even more focused on curb appeal. With less greenery and gardens to take it, every other detail around your home can make a difference. But there’s no reason you can’t use that to your advantage.
Weather permitting, do what you can to freshen up the exterior and outdoors spaces, including paint touch-ups, gutter cleaning, and tidying up any loose ends in the yard. The front door is always a focal point, so think seriously about updating if possible, which is a fairly quick and easy job.
Finally, be sure to stay on top of snow and ice removal at all times. A safety issue for agents and viewers, but also has aesthetic value to anyone driving by.
2. Less might be more when it comes to lighting
Well-placed exterior and garden lights are always an eye-catching attraction. With the right light and right surroundings, winter can be a fantastic time to show your little piece of wonderland.
Potential buyers may take delight in seeing a home pleasantly lit up during the dark winter months, but going overboard can be a turnoff. This time of year is an opportunity to capture the ambiance of the season and buyers’ imaginations. Think cosy and warm and try to highlight the elements that make your home such a perfect spot for relaxing and keeping warm on a chilly winter’s night.
3. Show off your winter-readiness
This is an ideal time to emphasize your home’s weatherproofing feature to make them feel truly safe from the elements. Make sure any recent and notably improvements you’ve done, like windows, doors or insulation, stand out and get mentioned.
If you’re not quite up to date on some of these items, hide the draft stoppers and consider making some simple repairs. Weather-stripping windows and doors are easy touches that help keep out the cold. New thermostats are also an inexpensive upgrade that can help better manage heat.
4. No times for renos, simple spruce ups will do
Major renovations might be out of the question, but there are simple ways to spruce up key areas of your home for the holidays.
In the kitchen, new hardware and appliances are generally affordable upgrades that can be done in a flash. Living rooms can be enhanced with new area rugs, throw pillows, or wall art. Bathrooms are always a big focus for buyers, so think about new mirrors, towels, or re-sealing bathtubs, showers, and tiled areas.
Lighting is perhaps one of the more important items to think about during this season. It is undoubtedly a highlight for potential buyers. It’s an easy upgrade, but replacing bulbs and fixtures can go a long way in creating that warm, happy glow you want to show.
If you’re stuck, a professional home stager can guide you through the process and get your interior in just the right shape.
5. Smart sales tactics save headaches and unmet expectations
Winter in general do require a touch of strategy to pull off the sale you really want. When pricing your home, be reasonable and fair. Prices aren’t necessarily lower in the winter, but buyers are looking for fair deals. Likewise, the strategy of going in high and reducing your price over time doesn’t resonate this time of year. Aim to list for what you’re looking for and ideally you’ll find a serious buyer who respects your price and gives you the deal you’re looking for.
A good agent is essential, one who is going to be there for you, who understands the nuances of the winter market, and know how to find motivated buyers.
If you have questions about the value of your home, or any aspect of real estate investing – talk to your mortgage broker. If you don’t have a mortgage broker, visit our find a mortgage broker tool.
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