Tips for selling your home in winter

Selling your home in winter doesn't necessarily mean it's harder to sell. There are actually lots of advantages to selling during the cooler months. For one thing sellers can take a little more time to consider offers, and with fewer homes on the market, there’s less competition. In fact, winter is a great time for showing off a cosy and friendly home.

Staging is the keyword, the concept of showing your house at its best. If you do it right, you can really make your house stand out.

Start with the exterior

That means keeping walkways and driveways free of ice and snow. Regularly salt or shovel the driveway and sidewalks before every showing. It is easy accessible, safe and looks well maintained. If a visitor slips and gets hurt, you could be liable. Having plant urns with festive greenery on the front porch present a welcoming entry.

Make a good first impression

Once a prospective buyer comes inside, remember that you may have only 10 to 15 minutes to make a lasting impression. If you're showing your house during the winter, warm it up to make it welcoming. Buyers who come in and aren't comfortable won't stay long. You can also turn on the gas fireplace, if you have one to give the house a cozy touch.

Give your house a nice smell

Everybody likes good-smelling homes. So light a fragrant candle or place bowls of potpourri in the main rooms. Popular scents: chocolate-chip cookies, apple pie, apple cider or anything with vanilla or cinnamon. But don't overdo it. Clean the house, air it out and replace drapes, carpets or rugs before you show it, if there is bad smell on them.

Protect the floors

To protect your floors, put down rubber mats by the door for snowy boots; buy a few pairs of comfy one-size-fits-all slippers from a department or discount store for visitors to wear while they view your home. Many buyers like that because it indicates  that you are proud of your home and you want to keep it clean.

Natural light

Try to show your house during the daylight hours. Make the most of the light you do have. Have the curtains and blinds cleaned and open them as wide as possible during daytime showings. Before you show the house, turn on all the lights.

Clean the windows

Buyers act on the first impression. Dirty windows make it look like the home hasn't been well-maintained.

Create a little atmosphere

To create a little atmosphere, you can turn the radio on. But only on a low level so that you barely hear it in the background. This also might keep people around a little longer and look a little longer.

Welcome your buyers with some treats

Even if you're not actually going to be present, greet your buyers with some treats. For example, have a plate of cookies for your guests or some chilled bottles of water.

Choose a real estate agent you can trust

As you think about selling your property, you may realize that you face many choices. Whether you are selling your first property or if you have previous experience, you should set high standards when selecting the person who will represent you.

For over twenty years as a sales representative in Durham Region, I have worked hard to serve my clients and to represent them in a professional manner. So, please contact me for a free consultation. During this meeting you can and get to know me better. You can ask questions and discover how I can help you. I am confident you will discover that I am an honest professional who can provide you with exceptional services and market your home to its fullest potential.  To get started, please contact me today!

Randy Miller
Sales Representative
Re/Max Rouge River Realty Ltd., Brokerage
905-668-1800 or 905-427-1400 
randy@randymiller.ca
www.randymiller.ca