Planning on selling your home in winter…..what a great way to show how cosy and family-friendly it is!
Most people assume winter is a bad time to sell because people won’t want to visit open homes in horrid weather. It’s a fair assumption but not entirely accurate. There are a number of real advantages to selling during the cooler months. Firstly it is a known fact that there are fewer homes on the market during this time, which mean less competition, however there are still buyers around as the factors for purchasing property do not change ie change of job, a growing family or downsizing. So show off how warm and welcoming your home is and a clearer focus on the indoor comforts.
Essential tips for selling in Winter:
Start with the exterior
Make sure the exterior of your home has been washed, including windows and clear the gutters. Buyers looking to move in immediately don’t want to waste time having to clear gutters, or fix up walls and doors – they want to be able to get straight to living.
Clear the way
Waterblast decks and paths. Make sure paths are clean and clear of leaves and debris. These can collect over the winter months, so check this before your open homes. You don’t want people slipping on anything.
Intact Comforts
Having to spend time and money doing up a home so it is warm in the winter in a limited time frame is a real hassle, so when you list your home make sure it will keep the heat in.
Check windows, ceiling, doors and any vents for cracking or wear and tear. Seal these, and make sure your curtains are the right material to efficiently retain the heat of the day.
Buyers frequently ask whether or not a property is insulated. Consider installing underfloor or ceiling insulation as it can add to the value of your home.
Front entrance
Make your entrance inviting by adding a new front mat, and clear some space inside your front entrance for visitors to leave their shoes, you don’t want wet shoes tramping through your home.
Light the fire
Highlight how warm your home is by lighting the fire or have your heat pump running a couple of hours before your open home. If you have a fireplace in your home, it can be a great selling point in the winter. In fact, heaters, candles and clear lighting can all create a warm, comfortable atmosphere in the home.
The Right light
Change your bulbs, perhaps go with warm white in living areas and strategically place lamps and other lighting effects to maximise the brightness and warmth of your property. Open blinds and curtains and turn all the lights on for open homes.
It’s a good time for a pre-spring clean
A clean home can never be underestimated. Make sure you wipe away any mildew and grime on ceilings and sills. Get carpets cleaned and move any pet paraphernalia, especially your dogs bed. A house that smells of wet dog is never appealing.
Checklist
- ⦁ Wash house exterior
- ⦁ Clean gutters
- ⦁ Clean windows
- ⦁ Waterblast decks and paths
- ⦁ Keep pathways swept and clear
- ⦁ New front door mat
- ⦁ Install underfloor or ceiling insulation
- ⦁ Get chimney swept or heat pump serviced
- ⦁ Seal around drafty windows and doors
- ⦁ Clean mildewed blinds and curtains