How To Sell Your Home Faster In A Cold, Snowy Winter
Winter does not seem like the ideal time to sell a home, with the wind ripping down tree branches and the snow covering your landscaping. But life does not always work out the way you'd hope, and sometimes, you can't afford to wait until spring to sell. Following these tips will help ensure your home sells faster, even when the snow is flying.
Look for pictures of your home in good weather.
Buyers will be more confident making an offer on your home if they have at least some idea of what it looks like in the spring and summer. Look through your photos to find ones that showcase your home in better weather. They don't have to be perfect. Even photos from a backyard barbecue, in which you can catch a glimpse of the flower gardens and green trees, are acceptable. Your realtor can include these in your listing, or you can just have them on hand at open houses to show buyers who may be interested.
Hire a snow removal company.
You never know what an interested buyer is going to take a "drive by" of your home. You don't want your driveway or sidewalk to be buried in a foot of snow when this happens. Keeping up with snow removal yourself can be a challenge, so hire a professional snow removal company to do this for you. Be specific when you tell them what areas to clear so they don't miss paths leading to the garage, etc.
Play up the cozy, wintery vibe.
There's no hiding that it's winter, so try playing this to your advantage as you "stage" the home. Choose candles with lovely winter scents, like evergreen and cinnamon. Decorate with snow-themed tablecloths and window clings, and light a fire in the fireplace if you have one. You can even add a few extra throw pillows and throw blankets to the couches to give them a cozier look.
Showcase your home's energy efficiency.
One actual benefit of selling in the winter is that if your home is energy efficient and well sealed, it's easy to prove it! Show those who come to look at your home your actual energy bills from the recent months. Have them walk by the windows to feel that there are no drafts, and have your realtor include features like a smart thermostat and new windows in the listing to attract buyers.