Selling a home in the winter is always tougher than in the summer. Creating curb appeal and staging the interior of your home to make it warm and inviting to buyers can make all the difference. You can create a photo album or use a digital photo frame or laptop to show pictures of your property during other seasons. Make sure to show the decks, pool, and landscaping so buyers can envision the enjoyment and fun of living there in the warmer months. Include pictures of the spring blooms and the summer landscaping at its peak, so they know what to expect.
You always want your home to show well by keeping it very clean and de-cluttered, but there are additional tips for winter showings. Keep the home at a comfortably warm temperature and don’t be afraid to play some soft music or have freshly baked cookies waiting on the counter. Some sellers even leave out a crock pot full of simmering soup. We are into February soon but during any other winter holiday season: decorations must be tasteful and conservative, so they don’t overwhelm the buyer. You want him to see your home not your decorations! Be sure your agent turns on all of the lights and the gas fireplace, if you have one. Your home is a bright, warm and cheerful retreat from the cold and dreary days of winter.
Shorter days means buyers may be coming after dark, making seeing the exterior difficult. Make sure all outside lights work and are clear, clean and at maximum wattage. You can face a spotlight toward your house to illuminate the front and be creative with decorative holiday lights. Decorate the door with a festive wreath and add large decorative pots or urns filled with greenery and color to the front porch or on either side of the front door. Of course, all walkways and paths should be clear of snow, ice and leftover leaves and plant debris.
