Selling a home during the winter may seem daunting, but there are many advantages. Housing inventory is always lower during chilly months as many potential sellers take their home off the market to wait until spring. With fewer listings available, there’s much less competition. Here are some tips from real estate experts to entice buyers to come out in the cold.
Light It Up
Use lighting to brighten your home’s interior and exterior. Pull up the blinds, open the shutters and push back the drapes on every window. Turn on all of the fixtures in the house, including appliance and closet lights. This will exude a warm glow and make your home feel cozy.
Clear a Path
Your home’s exterior appearance is just as important as its interior when it comes to selling. To prepare the outside for the winter weather, shovel snow off the driveway and walkway, deal with any patches of ice that could cause injury and trim trees and shrubs.
Turn Up the Heat
Make sure buyers are warm as they walk through your home. Turn the heater up or start a welcoming fire in the living room, if you have a fireplace. If your heating system is in need of repair, hire a contractor to ensure that things are working properly.
Make Everything Sparkle
Give your home a thorough cleaning before you open it up to potential buyers. Wipe footprints from snowy or muddy shoes, clean the carpets, dust all surfaces and remove any moisture or debris that comes in with the wind. Washing the windows enhances the precious daylight hours. As with any time of year, a clean and clutter-free house will sell more easily—and maybe at a higher price—than one with more visible clutter.
Trust the Professionals
For additional tips, speak with a real estate professional who knows how to market and sell your home during this season.
—Long Island Board of Realtors
