Published February 14, 2023
Why Winter Is A Good Time To Sell & Tips
If you’re thinking about listing your home, but hesitant to put it on the market during the winter because you’ve heard spring and summer are the peak selling seasons, continue reading because this blog might just be for you!
As much as April and May are the big months to sell, there’s less competition during winter, and the buyers actively looking would rather buy in January, February, or March so they’re in their new home and can enjoy it for the summer. Since there’s less inventory on the market in the winter, there’s also less competition, which is GREAT news for sellers. Plus, agents say that people shopping during those months are more likely to buy as well.
Although there are things to consider when you’re going to list your home during this season, so here are the tips to make sure you’re all set to sell your home:
Create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Sellers should create warm ambiance, both literally and figuratively, when buyers tour the home. Turn on the heat. Warm rooms not only encourage buyers to stay longer but also evoke a feeling of coziness and a positive association with the property. Consider lighting a fire if the house has a fireplace. This way, potential buyers might be able to picture themselves living there.
Consider professional staging. In its 2021 Profile of Home Staging, the National Association of Realtors reported that 82 percent of buyers’ agents said that staging a property made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home. Indeed, proper staging can make all the difference, particularly in a vacant property. It all boils down to making it as homey as possible without clutter.
Protect the property. Safeguard the home against snow-covered boots and muddy shoes. Make sure there are door mats at entrances, and leave a note asking that visitors remove their boots. You can even supply disposable booties.
Remove snow and ice. Make sure driveways and walks are clear of snow and ice, not just for aesthetics but also to ensure that guests can easily and safely get from their vehicles into the home.
Don’t ignore curb appeal. Yes, it’s likely your property will be covered with snow if you’re selling it in the winter, but do what you can to enhance the exterior. Illuminate pathways, and make sure exposed areas have fresh coats of paint. Display photos of the property in the spring and summer, showing off the landscaping. Put sleds and snow shovels in the garage, and store holiday decorations.
Gather documentation. Home inspections can be challenging in the winter. The roof may be covered with snow, and the air conditioning can’t be tested. Costello suggested that sellers provide photos of relevant systems to the inspector, as well as documentation of the age of the roof, air conditioning, drainage system, or sump pump, as well as their service history to demonstrate that the systems have been well maintained. He also said many buyers have concerns about the cost of home heating oil as well, so sellers should disclose the age of the boiler, as well as the average cost to fill it and how many times it’s filled each winter.
source: Boston.com
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