Smart Sellers know that winter is a great time to sell their home. This is a historically a time of lower inventory, which means that there is very little competition when selling your home. But selling a home in winter will require a few extra steps to be successful.
Read on for the 10 tips for selling a home in the winter
1. Make sure driveways and sidewalks are clear
Make sure that you shovel the driveway and walk, and put down de-icer if necessary. When we first came to look at our current home, both my husband and agent fell in the driveway. We bought it anyway, but not a great first showing experience! Also make sure the lockbox is protected and not full of snow.
2. Clear snow off decks and patios.
Clear off the snow from the deck and patio, and anything else that you want the buyers to see. Also shovel out an access to any sheds or outbuildings that will stay with the property.
3. Remove ice dams and icicles.
If you have a problem with these issues, this is the time to address it. Often times heat tape will take care of an ice dam buildup on the roof. Remember, you must disclose any past or current issues you have with the home.
4. It is OK to decorate for the holidays, just don’t over do it.
A home decorated for the holidays is warm and inviting. Put up the tree and have the lights on for showings. Put the lights on the front of the house – but maybe leave some of the blow up figurines down this year. Display the menorah. Just remember the Three Item Rule (any more than three items on a surface is clutter), and make sure hallways and walkways in your house are clear of trip hazards.
5. Have the outside lights turned on if showings are after dark.
It gets dark early this time of year, so you want to makes sure the outside lights are turned on so the agent can see the house numbers on the front of the house, and find lockbox at the front door. It is nice to drive up to a house at dusk or after dark when all of the lights are on inside and out. You can purchase lightbulbs that turn on automatically at dusk, and turn off again at daybreak. This is also a great safety measure for any home.
6. Keep your fireplace on if it’s a gas fireplace.
Flameless candles are good too. You DO NOT want to leave a wood fire or candles burning if you are not home.
7. Provide a rug for wet shoes at the front door.
Remember you will typically have at least 2 people, maybe more, viewing your home. Give them a place to leave their boots and shoes so your floors will not be wet and dirty.
8. It’s ok to say no to a few showings.
Although it’s good to be flexible when selling your home, it’s ok to say no to a showing request that is right in the middle of your family baking day or other holiday preparations. If you get a request that does not work for you, ask them to please reschedule and propose a day or time that will work better. You may lose a few showings, but a serious buyer will take the time to reschedule.
9. Plan on taking the inside decorations down on January 1st.
We always say the spring market starts on January 2nd, and I think this year we will see even more activity than usual. If your decorations are still up after the first of the year it will start to be a distraction to the buyer.
10. Update exterior photos.
If your original listing photos show green grass, and now there are 2 feet of snow on the ground, you will want to make sure your agent updates the exterior photos on the MLS so that the home does not look like it’s been sitting on the market for a long time.
Real Estate is local, so talk to your agent and ask for their recommendations for selling your home in the winter. In the Twin Cities Area, give me a call to discuss selling your home! Myra Jensen at BRIX Real Estate
