It’s late winter, and you’re considering putting your home on the market — but everyone is telling you not to. When the holidays are over but the cold weather lingers, many potential buyers prefer to hunker down and suspend their house hunting until spring. Luckily for sellers, not every buyer has the luxury of waiting: job relocations and changing family circumstances can arise at any time of year, lending urgency to the purchase of a new home. These winter buyers tend to be very motivated to purchase, and to do so quickly. With most sellers waiting to put their homes on the market in the spring, the relatively low supply of available properties at this time of year can be an advantage for savvy sellers.
The key is assessing how your home will appear through a buyer’s eyes and maximizing its winter appeal. Facts and figures play a significant role in real estate negotiations, but a home purchase is also a deeply emotional decision. Potential buyers must be able to imagine themselves living in the home you are selling, which makes it your task to anticipate — and shape — what they will see. Use your imagination to set the stage and sell the buyer not just on the property as it stands, but on a life they can envision. As well, don’t shy away from the fact that it’s winter; lean into it, and show potential buyers exactly how warm and cozy a winter in your house would be.
Leverage Lighting
Any theater director will tell you that lighting sets the mood of a scene. Illuminating a space requires more finesse in the winter, when natural light is scarce and muted. In February, the same kitchen that may be drenched in summer afternoon sunshine can appear pale and gray. To brighten your home, make sure windows are washed and curtains or blinds are pulled back to maximize the amount of sunlight coming through.
Since the sun sets earlier this time of year, remember many potential buyers will be touring your property after dark, so it’s a good idea to provide extra lighting both indoors and out. Solar or string lights can change exterior pathways from eerie to magical, and an additional accent lamp can turn a dark corner of the house cozy and inviting. If you use cool white or daylight bulbs, consider switching to warm or soft white, to mimic the welcoming glow of firelight.
Are you considering selling your property? Learn more about McLean Faulconer’s proven process for selling your home, no matter the season.
Energy-Efficient Upgrades
Even the most elegant residence can have problem areas in need of repair. Historic homes in particular present challenges that are most noticeable in the winter. The beauty of a Colonial, Georgian or Classical Revival construction will attract buyers, but those same buyers’ enthusiasm may dim in the face of a chilly draft coming in through a door or window frame. Selling a house at this time of year means making sure that potential buyers can picture themselves weathering winter in warmth and comfort within your walls.
So evaluate your insulation and weather stripping, and make improvements as needed. Conversely, if you have already made upgrades like installing double- or triple-paned windows, a new roof or heating system, or a smart thermostat, make sure you highlight those in your marketing materials. Frigid temperatures may also boost buyer interest in fireplaces or wood-burning stoves, so if your property has one, make sure it is clean and functional. In your real estate advertisements, featuring a photo of a cozy fire in the fireplace can amplify your property’s seasonal appeal.
Safety First
Winter also brings safety hazards, especially if your area is prone to snow or freezing rain. Make sure your property’s driveway is plowed and free of ice, and that walkways and stairs are kept completely clear and salted. Additionally, most potential buyers will want to walk around the outside of the house, to view the property and the building’s exterior.
Having to navigate snow, ice or mud can turn off a buyer who would have otherwise formed a favorable impression. Make sure to clear a safe walking path around the house, and to any other features that they might want to inspect.
Stay Flexible
Finally, remember that winter buyers often have a small window of time to secure a new home. The more obliging you can be, the greater your advantage. Showing requests may come up suddenly or change at the last minute, so try to remain flexible, and make sure your home is always ready to be viewed. The temporary inconvenience will have been worth it when this slow season brings you a quick sale.
