Essential Tips for Selling Your Home During the Colder Months

It’s no secret that most people prefer to sell their home during the spring or summer months. This makes sense because buyer demand tends to be higher during this time. However, the fall and winter can also be a great time to sell your home.

Not only will there be less competition as a home seller in the colder months, but buyers will also be more serious about closing on a home. Also, the slower season means that real estate agents, home improvement contractors, and lenders will have more time to respond to your situation, which can make the selling process smoother and faster. If you decide to put your home on the market during the colder months, there are ways to help you succeed.

Purge and Declutter

Going on a purge and decluttering each room of the home is one of the first things you should do to prepare for showings. Whether you’re selling in the warmer or colder months, it’s essential that you present open and neutral spaces to buyers. Go through one room at a time and get rid of any extra items (clothing, books, furniture pieces, etc.) that make the space feel cluttered. A good rule of thumb is to remove anything you don’t use on a daily basis while your home is on the market. You want buyers to be able to envision themselves in the home, and that’s hard to do when there are family photos, collectibles, and other small items all over the place. If you need to remove items but don’t want to get rid of them, consider renting a self-storage unit. In the past 180 days, it costs an average of $104.29 per month to book a unit in Miami, Florida.

Enhance the Curb Appeal

No matter what season you’re showing your home, you want it to look good when people are pulling up to the driveway. In the fall and winter, you need to ensure there aren’t a lot of leaves or fallen limbs in the lawn. If you live in a snowy climate, make sure the driveway and walkways are clear and safe for foot traffic (you can hire someone to do for around $75 to $95, depending on the amount of snow). Moreover, declutter the porch and entryway, and consider adding some tasteful decor to the front of the home (plants, window boxes, door wreaths, etc.).

Update the Lighting

Light is critical during the winter months. While decluttering your home will help the natural light shine in during the daytime, shorter days mean that you could be showing your home when the sun is down. That’s why you’ll probably need to add some lighting to your property. If you want to keep permanent additions to a minimum, consider purchasing some floor lamps to bring in while your home is on the market. Also, don’t forsake your curb appeal. Make sure your home looks well-lit and beautiful at night by adding landscape lighting to any paths, staircases, entrances, and so on — Home Depot has lighting options for as low as $22 to get you started.

Keep It Warm

Finally, the temperature in your home makes a big difference when you’re showing to a potential buyer. Make sure the thermostat is set at a comfortable temperature; creating a toasty atmosphere can be welcoming to buyers coming in from the cold. This is also a good time to bring someone in to do maintenance on your HVAC system, as well as ensure that all your appliances are in good working order.

Selling your home in the fall or winter is not only possible — it has its advantages. Prepare for your showings by decluttering the entire property, and boost the curb appeal by tending to the landscaping, porch, and entryway. Consider getting some extra lighting in case you have an evening showing, and remember to keep the home nice and warm for potential buyers. You’ll have your home off the market and a deal closed in no time!

Contributed by Jim McKinely