Selling For All Seasons: Your Winter Home Sale

It’s a known fact that home sales slow down in the winter. Not only do buyers prefer to do their home shopping during the warmer months – just think of how unpleasant it is to get in and out of the car to attend showings in the freezing cold – but, for many of the same reasons, sellers would rather unload their home in the spring or summer. The business of real estate is one that usually involves a lot of scooting around (showings, inspections, walk-throughs, etc.), and nobody wants to drive around in the chill. Not only that, but moving in the winter is a prospect that nobody relishes. For all these reasons, selling one’s home at this time of year is undesirable. Sometimes, however, it can’t be helped. A new job, a really great house located elsewhere, or family obligations can all lead to a winter listing. The good news is that there are ways to help buyers warm up to your winter home sale.

A snow-covered home looks pretty in pictures, but it’s not very inviting to potential buyers.

First of all, make sure that your sidewalks and driveway are meticulously shoveled clear of snow and ice. Not only is this a safety concern – you definitely don’t want anyone wiping out in our yard – but it also makes the home look more welcoming. Get it done the morning before an open house so that everything looks neat and well-maintained.

Create a space just inside the front door for potential buyers to shuck their coats and wipe their shoes. Make sure that your porch or front stoop is clear of snow or ice and nice and dry, and consider installing a coat rack and welcome mat just inside the front door. Anticipating your visitors’ needs is a big part of making everyone feel welcomed and comfortable.

If you are selling your home over the holidays, keep the decorations to a minimum. Remember that the first rule of staging is to depersonalize your home as much as possible. Nobody expects a totally sterile home in December, but perhaps just a small, tasteful Christmas tree and some sparse decorations. After all, you want your buyers to be able to picture themselves in the home. Leave the giant, inflatable decorations in the attic this year!

Consider whipping out the crockpot and making some sort of hot drink for your visitors. Warm cider or hot cocoa will not only help to thaw out your potential buyers, but they will make the house smell great as well!