One thing that I have come to realize over my years as a Cheshire real estate agent is that many home sellers are reluctant to put their homes on the market during the winter months. With the drastic drops in temperature, the sometimes unforgiving weather and snow covering the ground, I can see why people would think it’s unwise to market a property during this time. (Also, the winter is a pretty lazy time of year so preparing your home for sale might not sound like fun up against movie days in front of the fire.) However, one thing my real estate experience has taught me is that selling a home during the winter can actually be beneficial for both home buyers and sellers alike.
Winter brings an advantage for home buyers as there is less competition in that department. Moving is a chore, and it becomes even more of a hassle when you’re battling snow, ice and cold weather. Homes may also be priced lower to avoid the house sitting on the market for several months. As a homeowner who wants to sell their property, listing your home during the winter will no doubt be challenging. But there are ways to make the experience less stressful and thus successful. Check out these tips to winter home selling and get your Cheshire home sold!
1. Set a Fair Price: On top of being in a market full of foreclosures and super affordable home prices, winter brings yet another expectation of discounted prices. During the winter months, home buyers are expecting to find homes priced to sell. In order to get a lot of foot traffic through your home, it’s crucial to price it fairly, realistically and accurately. Since buyers are looking for the ultimate bargain, you’ll want to avoid low-ball offers by pricing your home accurately from the get-go. The more realistic the price, the more likely you are to get realistic offers.
2. Keep it Festive: While it may look gloomy outside, you want to embrace just the opposite for the interior of your home. First impressions are extremely powerful, and you want buyers of any kind to be swept off their feet when they enter your home. Even if you are not there to greet the visitors, you can still enchant them by creating a cozy atmosphere. Try setting the table with your finest china, or set out a plate of cookies. You can even provide hot cider or coffee. This will give them something warm to absorb after being in the cold weather, as well as provide a lasting impression.
3. Rearrange and De-Clutter: The last thing a potential home buyer wants to see is an unkempt and cluttered space when they walk into your home. Well before the first showing, start thinking of ways to make your home appear more spacious while maintaining a homey feel. Start de-cluttering by removing any over-personal items from view and place in an off-site storage area. Make sure that the kitchen, bathrooms and main bedrooms have been primped and cleaned. Next, you can try rearranging your furniture so that each room is showing its maximum potential. Set the scene and help home buyers see themselves living happily in the house!
4. Warm It Up: Before a showing, turn up the thermostat just a couple of notches. You always want to be thinking “warm and cozy.” Keeping your home at a warmer temperature will add a welcoming touch and keep the buyers inside your home longer. Often times sellers stay away from turning the heat up due to heat costs, but if they buyers are uncomfortable they won’t stay long. If you have a gas fireplace, turning it on right before the showing will give the house a little ambiance. If you have a word burning fireplace, it is a nicely added touch to light it if you will be present during the showing.
5. Enhance Your Curb Appeal: I know this one can be a little bit tricky, especially if there’s snow on the ground – and we all know how it starts looking a bit dull as the dirt and grime settle in. While you cannot grasp the vibrant spring and summer colors, you can still capture a pristine look to your winter home. To achieve great winter curb appeal, rid you yard of any leftover leaves and branches, and keep your walkways and driveway clear of snow. The last thing you want is someone breaking a bone as they slip on your sidewalk! Look at it this way: if the buyers have trouble reaching the front door, the home won’t sell as easily.
As your Cheshire real estate agent, it’s important to me that I fill you in on the best tactics to buying or selling a home in Cheshire. Don’t let the cold temperatures and rough weather get you down this winter season. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, the job will get done with the help of your Cheshire real estate agent! Contact me to get started.
Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert
Cheshire Homes
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