Selling Your Home In Winter Made Easy!
Newburgh NY winters can be cold and snowy!
While winter may not seem like the best time of year to sell a home, it may be a great idea for many. Consider the fact that buyers out looking are usually more serious about making a purchase. They are usually happy to look at less homes. Since many people don’t want to sell during the winter months there is less inventory. Buyers that need to make a decision quickly will be happy to buy a home that is priced right and well taken care of.
Your real estate agent should provide you with a list of tips for winter showings.
Sand and salt driveways and walkways. Curb appeal is what invites the buyer into your home so make it look inviting even during the winter months. Be sure that all driveways and walkways are clear and ice free as you never know when a showing may happen. Stairs may take a little extra special effort to keep them spotless. A safety hazard during a showing is not a great idea.
Keep the house toasty warm. While you normally don’t keep the home warm when you are not around, make sure that you pay attention when a showing is scheduled. Having the home feel toasty on a cold day helps to tell the buyers that this house is well insulated and feels warm in winter. No buyer wants to shiver during a showing. Let buyers feel warm and fuzzy when touring. If you have a gas fireplace, consider leaving that on before the showing, but a wood burning fireplace could present a safety issue if left unattended.
Staging your home to reflect the season is a great way to show buyers how easy it is to entertain and “live” in your home. Not everyone loves a ton of decorations so choose wisely. Less is always more?! This might not be the year for your giant balloon snow globe on the front lawn. There is definitely a way to convey a festive atmosphere that will not overwhelm potential buyers. It can be distracting and keep buyers from looking at the house behind all those lights. Consider setting the dining room table for a festive meal with a sparkly centerpiece and place cards and you will be good to go.
Keep the home bright for showings. Begin with outside lights that illuminate the walkways and outside doors. If a showing is late afternoon you will need them for safety. Timers are a great option for outside lights as well as inside lamps. Keep all the indoor lights on and have shades open for views. Make sure to let any sunshine in! Many homes with special views would be missed with curtains drawn. We have way to much dreary weather and gray skies during the winter, and a home that shows bright and cheerful has an advantage.
Buyers want to see a clean home even in winter. Don’t bring along the slushy outside mess into your home. Keeping the home looking clean and neat during these wet miserable months is important. Boots and coats all need to be kept neat and tidy. Buyers see your attention to detail and soon get the idea that your home is kept in tip top condition all year round.
As a seller it is important for you to make sure that your home stands out in the crowd. Take the time to make the special effort in the winter and you will be sure to find a buyer more quickly. Details matter and in winter we just need to look at what can make the difference.
If you are still wondering if selling your home during the winter and the snow is a good idea, think about this. I had an agent call this week to get her clients into a home during a snow storm. Yes, clients will look at a house during a snow storm! I think they are quite motivated too. We are waiting to hear if they will be putting in an offer.
5 Tips When Selling Your Home in Winter
published by: Janis Borgueta Key Properties of the Hudson Valley in Newburgh NY. Her blog is about living, working and Real Estate in The Hudson Valley. Information here is a community service to the public. Please subscribe to this blog. When you are looking to buy a new home, Search the MLS for New Homes in Newburgh NY. You can contact Janis at (845)-527-7115 or find her on Google+
