7 Tips For Selling Your Home In The Winter
Many sellers believe that they must sell their home in either the spring or summer, however, listing during the winter months is not as uncommon as you may think. There are various reasons that a good majority of people prefer to sell their home during the warmer months of the year, but for some, this timing is not always ideal. If you are in a position that demands you list your home during the coldest months of the year, it's ok, actually, it's more than ok! You can do a few simple things to help ensure your home looks its best to potential winter-time buyers.
Will I be able to find a buyer during the winter?The short answer to this question is yes! Life does not cease to exist just because it is cold outside, and the internet has no seasons. Many companies hand out end-of-the-year bonuses, and this chunk of money is perfect for a down payment on a new home. Financially savvy people can also be motivated to buy a home before the end of the year. Certain tax benefits are very attractive to these buyers. Additionally, the month of January is a big month for job relocations. Often families who are required to relocate for work would prefer to buy a home and get the family settled as soon as possible. Renting and waiting to buy in the warmer months just means these families are looking at uprooting their lives twice instead of just once. So, what exactly are some things you can do to make your home more attractive to these buyers? The following 5 tips are a good place to start.
7 Tips for Listing Your Home During the Winter1. Curb Appeal
2. Avoid Unwanted Winter Accidents
Make sure your driveway and all walkways are free of snow and ice. Whether that means shoveling or laying down salt, take the time to do it before every showing. An unwanted winter accident will certainly negatively affect a potential buyer's experience.
3. Have a Specified Place for Shoes
The winter months can potentially be very messy. Buyers will more than like be tracking snow, salt, and dirt into your beautifully cleaned home. Consider placing a large rubber mat by the front door for messy boots and shoes. Ask your realtor to request that all buyers remove their shoes before viewing the house.
4. Make Your Home Cozy
Winter is a cozy time of year, so use that to your advantage! Help give buyers warm and welcoming feels by staging your home with large fluffy throws and oversized pillows. Strategically place books and magazines throughout the house. Turn up the thermostat and turn on some light music—such as jazz or classical. If you have a fireplace, turn it on, nothing says cozy more than a fire in the winter.
5. Pick the Right Scent
A stuffy house can be the product of a cold winter, and though it may be tempting to light a bunch of candles before a showing, may I suggest another idea? Pop a tray of cookies into the oven right before a showing is to take place. Nothing smells better than home-baked goodies in the wintertime. Candles are wonderful, but many people suffer from allergies, and certain scents can be overpowering in confined spaces. The light aroma of something baking in the oven will certainly give the buyers a cozy, warm, and welcoming experience.
6. Let the Light In
Overall, the winter months tend to be much darker than the warm months. Not only is the sun setting earlier in the day, but grey snow-filled clouds fill often fill the sky. With that said, try to time your showings for the brightest parts of the day. Before a showing, open your curtains and let all the natural light in. You may even wish to consider hiring a window cleaning company.
7. Deep Clean
It's a fact that buyers are attracted to clean, organized homes. With that said, before showings, take the time to de-clutter and de-personalize your property. Removing personal items allows buyers to picture themselves in the space.
Selling your home in the winter does not have to be scary! With a few simple tips, your home will surely make a good impression on potential buyers. So go ahead, list your home in the winter!
Check out the original blog post at https://www.buymissourihomes.com/blog/7-tips-for-selling-your-home-in-the-winter/
Columbia, MO Market Report:
Households: 48,189
Median Listing Home Price: $249,475
Median Listing Home Price Per Sqft: $121
Median Rent: $962
Average Days on Market: 12 to 26 (market varies)
Home Ownership Percentage: 47.4%
Population Per Square Mile: 1,720
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POSTED BY:Buy Missouri Homes
(573) 267-2320
303 N Stadium Blvd 2nd Floor, Columbia, MO 65203
https://buymissourihomes.com
