Learn tips to spruce up your home for selling the property in the Winter months:
Author: Suzie Wilson at www.happierhome.net.
Selling a home isn’t easy. It’s the biggest investment most people make in their lives, and choosing when to sell can be a major decision.
Spring is generally considered the best time to put your house up for sale. But what if a major life change necessitates an autumn or winter home sale? Here’s what you should know if you need to sell your home during the slower real estate months.
Homes Do Sell During the Winter Months
November through February is always busy, and winter weather can make most environments look bleak compared to the colorful spring season. But that doesn’t mean you can’t sell your home.
In the colder seasons, you’ll have fewer homes to compete with in your local market. Top real estate agents, stagers, and contractors will also have more time to help you sell, organize, and prepare your home.
To remain competitive, CNN Money suggests that you study the types of houses that are up for sale in your area. Pay attention to how long it takes to close a deal. Generally, you have a better chance of getting a good price on your home if you sell within 60 days or less after you list it.
Organizing Is Key
You know you need a good agent to sell your home, but there are some cosmetic matters to consider as well.
Prospective buyers need to see themselves living in your home. A real estate agent can suggest a few things, but a professional organizer or home stager can give you an objective view of what a buyer might be thinking so you can be better prepared. If you can’t afford to have someone stage your home, you may be able to get them to give you a consultation. Declutter by storing away extra family photos, trophies, and furniture. This process can also help you in the long run because your items will be stored and packed before your big move as well.
Consult with a home repair professional that can take an objective view of areas in your home that need to be fixed. They may notice things you don’t, such as rotting wood, shaky stairs, and safety features that need to be updated, and they can check your central heating and air conditioning system. Remember, you’ll want to keep your home warm and cozy while showing it to prospective home buyers, so make sure your heating system is working properly.
Other things can also help you get top dollar, such as painting walls, fixing floors, and adding light to brighten your home during the drab autumn and winter months.
Increase Curb Appeal
Homeowners sometimes neglect their yard’s appearance during the colder months, but making your home attractive can increase interest in your property. Rake any leaves that are left and make sure your yard looks neat and well-kept.
Consider adding a winter garden for a pop of color. You won’t be able to plant summer flowers or delicate plants, but shrubs and a strategically chosen tree can make your home appear more homey. Berry plants and shrubs are a great option because they will attract birds. This sounds strange, but birds produce calming ambient sounds that change your home’s environment completely.
Shrubs such as witch hazel and holly not only look beautiful, they also hold up well in winter weather. The Japanese pieris and winter rose grow well in cold temperatures and are more great options.
It’s easy to doubt your decision to sell your home during the off season, but it’s not as difficult as you think. Selling your home during fall or winter won’t stall your negotiations as long as you find a great agent and take control of the process by preparing properly.
Photo credit: Pixabay.com
Suzie Wilson is an interior designer with more than 20 years experience. What started as a hobby (and often, a favor to friends) turned into a passion for creating soothing spaces in homes of every size and style.
