By Tori Sheridan
While the spring real estate market has the highest inventory of homes for sale and the biggest buyer pool, winter is still a great season to sell your home. In fact, according to Bright Multiple Listing System, close to 500 homes sold in Delaware County in February of 2022! With less competition from your neighbors, and serious buyers who will come out to tour your home no matter what the wind chill, winter months can offer the best opportunity for selling your home. Here are five tips for selling your home this winter:
Stage your Home
It doesn’t take a ton of time or money to create a cozy, comfy vibe that will make your buyers feel right at home. Place a throw blanket on the arm of a chair, set the table to look like you’re hosting a dinner party, light the fireplace and bring some fresh cut flowers into the kitchen. Minimize the amount of furniture you have to make the home feel larger and depersonalize by storing away your family photographs and sports memorabilia. There are a ton of great staging articles online and most Realtors have a relationship with a reputable home staging company.
Get your Home Professionally Cleaned
A professional deep clean of your home will allow it to show like new! Hire someone to give the home a really good scrub and make it sparkle before showings.
Turn the Lights On
The sun sets earlier in the winter months and many buyers are viewing properties in the evenings. Make sure that your walkways, doorways, patios and decks are well-lit, not only for safety reasons, but you’ll want to try your best to make any garden space or lawn areas visible. The inside of your home should be bright also. If you don’t have overhead lighting, make sure to add table lamps or floor lamps to help buyers see the space.
Winter Curb Appeal
While it’s disappointing that you won’t be able to showcase your gorgeous crepe myrtle and blooming hydrangea in the winter months, you can still have an attractive exterior with a little bit of clean up. Remove any dead leaves that have piled up in your landscape beds, power wash your siding & walkways and hang a wreath of winter greens on the front door.
Market Strategy
Most importantly, work with a Realtor on a strategic marketing plan. A good Realtor will have an off-season plan that differs from their spring and summer marketing. He or she will have a pulse on the local market and ensure your listing gets maximum exposure.