By: Johanna Wiseman
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As we move into the winter months, most people want to hibernate or fly away to sunny vacation locales.
Even so, some will decide to sell their homes for a variety of reasons. Winter home sales can be successful if positioned with care.
There are several benefits to selling your home during the winter months. Seasonal and winter holiday decorations provide an opportunity for sellers to greatly improve the coziness of their homes. Twinkling lights and plush throw blankets create a warm, comfortable feeling which is very inviting to potential homeowners. People are charmed by the idea of celebrating holidays with their own family and friends, and they get very excited about moving ahead with homeowning plans when they see a well-decorated home that fits their aspirations.
Please don’t leave anything burning! Candles and fireplaces are attractive and fit the theme of the advice I’m giving, but I do not recommend risking an accidental fire.
You could substitute battery-powered flameless candles around the home, and even arrange them in your fireplace for a great alternative to real flame. If you want to scent the air with an evocative seasonal fragrance, go for it, but don’t overdo it. Take extra care to leave many lights on at home, to counter lower levels of sunlight. The glow of interior lights from the windows is a beautiful, curb-appeal-enhancing sight from the moment of arrival. If your landscaping is less than perfect, snow has the magical power of draping all with a cozy white coverlet. A fresh blanket of snow looks great in photographs and minimizes background noise.
Read: Standing in My Shoes – A Report From the Front Lines
Statistically, fewer homes are listed during winter months, so sellers benefit from less competition for buyer attention. Buyers who are looking for a home during winter months are usually the most motivated and ready to make a decision. With the recent interest rate increases as an example, there will be times when we need to work harder to make homes appealing to buyers.
Sellers will want to consider winter weather and prepare for snow and ice. Be aware that showings may need to be rescheduled if a big storm arrives, but also that some buyers will show up in any weather. To prevent accidents, watch the weather carefully and make sure your driveway, walkways, porches, and entries are salted and clear of snow and ice. We ask visitors to remove their shoes to avoid tracking wet winter residue into homes. Think about the entry where buyers will arrive. It’s smart to make shoe removal as easy as possible by offering an absorbent drying mat, shoe covers, and a seat for convenience. An umbrella stand and a couple of handy towels might also be appreciated.
Read: What is MLS?
Cold weather can be prohibitive to certain types of home improvement, so consult with your real estate agent for advice so that you can schedule any recommended repairs or renovations before the weather prevents the work. No matter what the season, a little advance planning will benefit your sale.
Local expert Johanna Wiseman of RE/MAX Preferred Professionals can be reached at 908-705-0652, or visit www.MyBridgewaterHome.com