Top 11 Tips for Listing your Home in Winter

If you find yourself selling your home in the winter, you are already working against the weather and the elements. However, there are simple ways you can ensure the success of your home sale despite the season. Here are our foolproof tips for preparing your home for sale in the winter.

1. Take exterior photos in the summer or fall

Many sellers worry that their home looks dreary and unwelcoming in the winter. To grab the attention of potential buyers online, make sure to include exterior photos of your home taken in the summer or even early fall months where the sun is shining, leaves are on the trees, and your landscaping is at its best.

2. Let there be light

To combat the cloudy winter days, make sure that there is as much light in your home as possible. For photos and before all showings and open houses, make sure that all interior and exterior lights are turned on, blinds and shades are opened, and any burned-out bulbs are replaced. The more light in your home, the more warm and welcoming it will feel to potential buyers.

3. Make sure your furnace is serviced

If you haven’t had your yearly maintenance check on your furnace yet, now is the time to do so. Make sure that your furnace is working properly and any problems are fixed to maintain good air quality in your home and to prevent serious issues like carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s just as important for you and your family as it is for potential buyers.

4. Repair any drafts or leaks

A cold, drafty home will not only deter buyers, but it will also reflect in your utility bill. Before listing your home, check all of your windows and doors to make sure that everything is sealed correctly. Apply new weatherstripping if you notice a draft and repair any broken windows. Now would also be a good time to install storm windows if your home doesn’t have them.

5. Attend to your roof and gutters

To prevent costly issues during winter months, make sure that your roof and gutters are in proper working order. It is a good idea to have your roof inspected in the fall months to ensure that there are no leaks or other serious issues before listing your home.

6. Welcoming mats

Not only will a cute welcoming mat help paint a good first impression of your home, it will also protect your floors from snowy boots. Invest in a practical interior and exterior mat, and consider placing a boot tray by your front door. Don’t be afraid of choosing a fun, vibrant color!

7. Make your home as cozy as possible

When potential buyers enter your home, you want them to feel warm and welcome as if they just came home after a long winter day. Consider adding cute throw pillows and blankets to your couches and turning on gas fireplaces. You might also consider serving seasonal snacks to amp up the ambiance.

8. Shovel the driveway and de-ice walkways

No matter how cute your home looks inside, trudging through high snow or slipping on ice while walking up to the house could turn off a potential buyer. Make sure to keep all walkways clear of snow and ice before any showings or open houses.

9. Limit holiday decor

As with all decor during a home sale, less is more. While buyers will expect some holiday cheer, too many decorations and family photos will distract buyers from envisioning themselves in your home. Choose simple, classic decorations like white string lights, wreaths, and poinsettias.

10. Keep your home at a comfortable temperature

Make sure that your home is kept at a comfortable temperature, even if you are no longer living there. You don’t want buyers to feel as if they are walking into an icebox or a sauna, and you do not want to run the risk of your pipes freezing and causing damage. If you have already moved out of your home, it’s a good idea to keep your thermostat set at least 65 degrees.

11. Limit the use of strongly scented candles and air fresheners

As much as we love the scents of pumpkin spice and peppermint mochas, save them for the Starbucks line. Strong artificial scents in a home could give buyers the impression that you are trying to cover up a bad smell. For showings and open houses, limit the use of candles and air fresheners throughout your home. If you can’t live without your favorite fragrance, stick to one scent to ensure a cohesive experience.