Well, it may not officially be winter, but there is snow in the forecast and it feels like winter here in Maine!
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| Photo by Porschlelinn |
Even though everyone tends to assume that winter is not a good time to sell...
it can actually be a great time to market your home.
Buyers who brave the snow and cold to look in the winter time
are serious about buying and more likely to make an offer.
There is often less inventory on the market during the winter
so you also have less competition.
Are you worried about a showing interrupting your holiday plans?
Don't worry...you can always restrict showings during your family events.
Here is our Top 10 List for selling you home in the winter...
1. Easy Entry
Make sure the driveway and walkway are shoveled,
salted and free of snow and ice to provide easy entry for all showings.
2. Curb Appeal
Make sure the exterior lights are on and the house number is easily visible
for the evening showings. The last thing you want is a potential buyer to
be frustrated by not being able to find your home.
Minimize the chances of buyers tracking up your freshly cleaned home
by providing cheap slippers or disposable booties at the door
as well as a place for them to take off the snowy shoes or boots.
They will be impressed by your thoughtfulness and you will save your floors!
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| Photo from The Country Chic Cottage |
You may have turned down your thermostat to save on heating costs, but
turning it up to make potential buyers comfortable is worth the few dollars it may cost.
Turning on gas fireplaces, or having a comfy throw across a chair or couch
also add to the warm and cozy feel of a home.
5. Set the Mood
Just like on a first date, you are trying to impress your potential buyers.
Soft background music and flame less candles can set a relaxed, comfortable mood.
6. Light it Up
During the daytime hours, open the window treatments to let in the natural daylight.
For evening showings, make sure to turn on plenty of lights. Buyers like bright spaces.
7. Take Advantage of the Season
Decorating for the season instead of with personal items
can make your house feel more homey for your potential buyers...but don't go overboard.
Clutter is bad...so use moderation and basic, tasteful decorations.
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| View this Christmas decoraing ideas on our Pinterest |
Baking fresh bread, an apple pie or chocolate chip cookies (my favorite)
before your showing leave the house smelling great. The smell of fresh baked goods
just makes you feel happy...happy shoppers buy houses!
9. Keep it Clean
In the winter, the shoes and coats tend to pile up at the door
and wrapping paper and gifts get stuffed into closets.
Cluttered areas may lead buyers to believe there is not enough storage
so keep it clean for showings.
10. Price it Right
All the staging and cleaning in the world won't sell your house
if it is priced to high, so listen to your real estate professional
and price it right from the start.
If you follow these simple tips, you stand a great chance of selling your home in the winter! If you are ready to sell this winter, call us at (207)784-3800 or e-mail brenda@fontaineteam.com.
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