Winter isn’t the ideal time to sell a house but sometimes you have no choice. There are actually some advantages to selling a house during the winter – less competition for one. There’s also less of a buying and selling frenzy so you have more time to consider offers.
Staging becomes even more important during the winter, but with a little effort, you can make your house really stand out. Here are some things that you can do to make your house sell faster and with less stress during a slow season.
First and foremost, keep your driveway and sidewalk snow and ice free. People aren’t going to see your house if they have to climb over snow drifts to get to the front door. If someone slips and falls on ice, you could be liable.
Keep the home warm and toasty. A warm house is inviting. Before a viewing, turn up the heat in the house to take the chill off. Turn the gas fireplace on if there is one to create a homier atmosphere. If there’s a wood burning fireplace, start a fire but only if you’ll be close at hand during the showing.
Turn on all of the lights in the house and make sure that the highest wattage bulbs allowed are in all of the fixtures. Open curtains and blinds to let in as much light as possible.
Make sure the windows are sparkling clean. Low sun in the winter can really make dingy windows stand out, giving the impression that the house isn’t well maintained.
It’s been said a million times, but the aroma of fresh baked chocolate cookies has a powerful psychological effect on potential buyers. While you’re at it, decorate the house as though you’re getting ready for a party. Set the dining room table with your best china and put on soft classical music.
By accentuating the positive and giving your home a festive feel, you can sell it, even during a slow season.
By Patrick Murray Join me on Google+