Typically the winter months are slower for the real estate market, however, this year is showing a change in tradition with lower mortgage rates and the country being in economic recovery. If you’re selling your home this winter, here are ten tips to get your home sold.
- Make your home look cozy. The holidays are a great time to make your home look warm and cozy. Showing your home during the holiday season also gives potential home buyers an opportunity to see how festive the neighborhood can be.
- Take down holiday decorations for listing photos. While having decorations up for showings is not a bad thing, you want the best lighting possible for your listing photos and Christmas lights could prevent that from happening. If you do include decorations, be sure not to clutter your home.
- Keep your house warm. Increase your thermostat during showings to help add to the warm and coziness of your home. Having a hot cocoa station or freshly baked cookies or muffins are also a nice touch.
- Pay attention to curb appeal. Curb appeal is home buyers’ first impressions so make sure leaves are cleared from the yard and there’s no snow on the driveway or walkways.
- Check your indoor and outdoor lighting. Winter months mean shorter amounts of daylight. Make sure all your lights are working.
- Do a little extra cleaning. With the colder weather and being inside more often, dust tends to accumulate more in the winter. Take the time to wipe down furniture and put away muddy shoes.
- Display seasonal photos of your home. Let potential buyers see your home’s best features at different times of year by displaying some seasonal photos.
- Strategically price your home. Price your home based on comparable homes in your area. With fewer buyers, starting lower than market value could start a bidding war among home buyers.
- Upgrade your appliances. Take advantage of holiday appliance sales and add some stainless steel appliances. Also consider changing out door knobs to nickel or stainless steel.
- Make sure your home is available for showings. With fewer homes on the market, it’s even more important to have your home available to show potential buyers.