What makes selling a home more stressful? Selling it in the middle of winter.
The lawn is brown, the weather is usually bad and, unlike the longer days of summer, you have less time to show it off during daylight hours.
But not everyone has the luxury of waiting until the traditional spring or summer home-buying season to plant that ‘for sale’ sign. And while it’s true that in most areas you’ll probably have fewer buyers during the winter, you will have less competition from other sellers.
The season makes staging – the concept of showing your house at its best – even more important. But be prepared to put a little effort into it. It is more difficult to make something look really appealing this time of year, but if you do it right, you can really make your house stand out.
1. Keep snow and ice at bay.
If the buyer can’t get in easily, the house won’t sell. That means keeping walkways and driveways free of the frozen stuff. Just like trimming the lawn in the summer, you want to make the home look like it’s been maintained. If you’re away frequently or live in an area that is subject to bad weather and drifting snow, it can pay to hire a service to regularly salt or shovel the driveway and sidewalks.
2. Warm it up.
If you’re showing during the winter think warm, cozy, and homey. Before a buyer comes though, adjust the thermostat to a warmer temperature to make it welcoming. Buyers who come in and aren’t comfortable won’t stay long.
3. Take advantage of natural light.
Try to encourage showings during the high- daylight hours. Make the most of the light you do have. Have the curtains and blinds cleaned and open them as wide as possible during daytime showings. Clean all the lamps and built-in fixtures, and replace the bulbs with the highest wattage that they will safely accommodate. Before you show the house, turn on all the lights.
4. Get the windows washed.
Buyer’s act on first impression and windows are the one thing that many sellers don’t even consider. In winter, that strong southern light can reveal grime and make it look like the home hasn’t been well –maintained.
5. Play music softly in the background.
To create a little atmosphere, tune the radio to the local classical station. Turn it down so that you barely hear it in the background. Classical music is soothing and tends to have the most appeal to buyers- enticing them to stay and look around a little longer.
6. Emphasize winter positives.
Is your home on a bus route or some other vital service that means it’s plowed or de-iced regularly in bad weather? Be sure to mention that to the buyers.
7. Make it comfortable and cozy.
Set the scene and help the buyers see themselves living happily in this house. Consider such things such as putting a warm throw on the sofa or folding a thick comforter on the bed. Tap into the simple things this time of year that make you feel like you’re home.
8. Use the season to your advantage.
While the holidays are over, you can still use winter wreaths and dried arrangements around the door to spark interest. Anything seasonally appropriate is fun.
9. Give the home a nice aroma.
The No. 1 favorite? Chocolate chip cookies. Other popular scents: cinnamon rolls, freshly baked bread, apple pie, apple cider or anything with vanilla, cinnamon or yeast. Just don’t overdo it. Scented candles in every room or those plug-in air fresheners can leave buyers wondering what you’re trying to mask. Watch the bad smells too. Pet smells, smoke, musty odors can cling to curtains, carpets and even paint and ceilings. Ask your real estate agent or a friend to give it a sniff test. Then clean the house, air it out, and replace drapes, carpets or rugs before you show it.
10. Set up timers.
You want your home to look warm and welcoming whenever prospective buyers drive past. But you’re not home all the time, so put indoor and outdoor lights on timers. Look at the outside lighting around the door. Is there enough illumination to make it inviting? If not, either get the fixtures changed or have new ones added. Timers that are operable from smart phones and computers are now very affordable and convenient.
Tags: Calgary real estate, Selling Homes in Calgary in Winter, Selling homes in winter