Selling a house during winter comes with its own unique challenges. Snow, for one, can bury your home’s best features. Your normally lush landscaping may look drab and lifeless. And truth be told, all you want to do is cozy up at home rather than welcome buyers through your door.
Still, if you’re game to sell during winter, it’s essential that you put on your snow pants and put some effort into making your house shine. To help, here are some classic mistakes to avoid once the temperature drops, and why they can make such a difference.Just avoid making these all-too-common winter-selling fumbles in order to get top dollar.
Mistake No. 1: Settingdown the shovel
You cleared off enough of the drivewayfor your car, butpotential buyers won’t be entering through the garage like you do.
“Blazing a path through 3feet of virgin snow makes a lousy firstimpression,” saysJohn Engel, a Realtor® with Halstead Properties, in New Canaan, CT.
Don’t put away your snow shovel until you’ve cleareda path to your front door. Orsave your poor back by hiring a snow removal company to keep yourpaths walkable.
“Not only does it make it more inviting for buyers, but it avoids potential safety and liability concerns,” says Massachusetts RealtorJohn Ternullo.
Mistake No. 2: Giving in to the winter blahs
Gray skies and barren treesmake winter a particularly depressing time to sell. But you don’t have to let your home look as doleful as the weather.
“Pops of color by the entryway, like a seasonal wreath and topiaries, can add some interest to the front entrance as well as make itmore inviting,” Ternullo says.
And don’t wait until buyers schedule showings toadd some life: Colorful curb appeal transformsyour listing photos from drab to dramatic.
Mistake No. 4: Not scrubbing your windows
Colder temps have robbedyour trees of their leaves,leaving your home to look a bit sadder in winter’s wake. But that’s not the only problem. Thosefull trees previously shielded your home from direct sunlight. And now that it’s pouring in your windows, potential buyers will be able to see everything.
Scuffs, fingerprints, and streaks are “never more apparent” thanin the wintertime, Engel says, so you should make sure you’re vigilant about keeping windows clean. Alone, that grime might not be enough to turn off a potential buyer, but it might make them wonder what other details you’ve missed.
Mistake No. 5:Displaying outdated summer photos
YourTudor looks particularly glorious in the summer, but if your only listing photos were taken in April, buyers will immediately suspect a problem.
“Nothing says ‘old, tired listing’ more than the photo you took nine months ago,” Engel says.Talk to your Realtor about taking new photos that make yourhome look festive and seasonal. Feel free to keep older photos in the listing—your buyers might want to know what the home looks like when the gardens are in full bloom—but updated photos will make your listing seem fresh.
Mistake No. 6:Turning down theheat
“Frugality is great, but not when you’re trying to sell real estate for top dollar,” saysBrian Davis, a real estate investor andco-founder of SparkRental.com.
Turn the heatup before you leave for showings, your utility bill be damned. Stick to 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit to keep everyone comfy.
“It will make the house feel homier and more welcoming,” Davis says. “It also gives the impression that the house is energy-efficient and well-insulated.”
Mistake No. 7:Denying access
It’s New Year’s Eve and a buyer wants to stop by. How dare they!Shouldn’t they assume you have a fabulous party to prepare for?
Maybe. But if youwant to sell your home in the off-season,the buyer has to come first. You’ll need to work with your Realtor to devise a strategy for squeezing in showings, even in between all of winter’s holiday events and family gatherings.
“While it may be inconvenient, it’s crucial not to deny showings, as that could be a missed opportunity,” Ternullo says. “There may be less buyers compared to spring, but winter buyers tend to be serious.”
Mistake No. 8:Leaving out yourdraft stoppers
Yourhand-knit draft stoppermight look adorable snuggled against your door, but it “sends a clear message to buyers,” Davis says. “This house is drafty and loses heat easily.”
Not that you should lie. But every home has hidden problems, and it’s best to let the buyers make their own assessments and discoveries during the inspection period. Don’t leave out little thingsthat could sway their decision.
Sure, it's clear you're interested in selling a house during winter. Let's dive into the concepts mentioned in the article and provide insight:
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Snow Clearance for Accessibility: Clearing snow from the driveway and pathways is vital. It's not just about aesthetics but also safety and making the property accessible to potential buyers. Snow removal ensures a positive first impression and minimizes safety concerns.
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Curb Appeal and Seasonal Touches: Adding pops of color, such as seasonal wreaths or decorations, can enhance the home's exterior appearance, combatting the dreariness of winter. It's about making the property inviting and visually appealing even in the colder months.
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Window Maintenance: In winter, with fewer leaves on trees, your home might be more exposed. Clean windows are crucial; they let in more light and any scuffs or marks become more apparent. Clean windows not only brighten the interior but also suggest attention to detail in maintenance.
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Updated Listing Photos: Using outdated summer photos can mislead potential buyers about the current condition of the property. New photos showcasing the property in the current season are important to present an accurate and attractive view.
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Maintaining Comfortable Interior Conditions: Keeping the house warm during showings is important for creating a welcoming atmosphere. Setting the temperature between 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit not only ensures comfort but also indicates good insulation and energy efficiency.
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Flexible Availability for Showings: During winter and the holiday season, accommodating potential buyers’ schedules can be challenging. However, denying showings might mean missing out on serious buyers. Being flexible and accommodating is crucial.
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Avoiding Subtle Negative Messages: Certain items, like draft stoppers, while functional, can inadvertently send negative signals about the property's insulation or energy efficiency. It's about presenting the property in its best light without potential distractions or red flags.
These tips collectively aim to overcome the challenges of selling a house during winter, emphasizing the importance of presentation, accessibility, and maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for potential buyers despite the seasonal drawbacks.
