December can be a tough time to list and sell your home due to not only the colder weather, but also the hustle and bustle of the holidays. But if you need to sell your home during winter, there are some advantages you can capitalize on. For example, winter buyers are typically motivated and have a specific reason why they need to purchase, such as a work relocation or expanding family or other life change that results in the need to buy a house.
The National Association of REALTOR’s Consumer Guide series provided the following ways to maximize the appeal of your home during the winter:
Focus on curb appeal: Clean up fallen leaves and dead branches. Make the front door inviting with planted topiaries, a festive door wreath and a fresh welcome mat.
Make the exterior safe: If you’re in an area with ice and snow, clear the driveway and walking paths. Spread rock salt or sand to prevent slips and falls.
Spruce up the interior: Declutter and clean all the rooms. Then, add warmth with fuzzy throw pillows and blankets. Use seasonal decorations sparingly.
Add potted indoor plants: Flowering plants or an indoor herb garden can add additional warmth and liven up the interior of your home.
Light it up: Clean windows to allow more natural light to shine through. Replace burned out lightbulbs, make sure all the bulbs match, and turn on all the lights for showings.
Warm it up: Keep the temperature at a comfortable level for showings. Turning down the thermostat will make your home feel cold and uninviting.
Accommodate showing requests: Allowing showings during the holiday season can be difficult, but the answer to showing requests should almost always be yes.
Pay attention to the senses: Buyers may be sensitive to strong perfumes and scented candles. Opt first for a “clean” smell.
Lauren Bunting is a Broker with Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City, Maryland.
