These 5 Hot Tips Will Heat Up Your Winter Home Sale

These 5 Hot Tips Will Heat Up Your Winter Home Sale

Winter has arrived. In places like the Twin Cities, that means fewer daylight hours, frigid temperatures, snow, and ice. Winter definitely changes the dynamics of selling and showing your home at its best. However, we can also see these cold weather challenges as opportunities to showcase your home in ways not possible in the warmer seasons. Here are my 5 best tips for making your home shine more and sparkle brighter even though the days are shorter and the ground is covered in snow!

1. Strut Your Stuff Winter and Beyond

An absolute must is to keep the driveway and walkways clear and safe for walking. Maneuvering through snow and ice to get inside your home is not going to make a good first impression so be sure your property is totally accessible. Even though snow removal can be a challenge keep in mind you don’t have to worry about mowing and trimming the lawn every few days.  Another plus, if you don’t have the best landscaping on the block, the snow can provide a pristine charm you wouldn’t have in the warmer months. However, if you are an avid gardener and have put time and money into awesome landscaping make sure to have an album of photos highlighting those features for buyers to view.

2. Create a Winter Glow

Keep window dressings at a minimum to take advantage of the available light.  Make sure draperies are drawn and shades are up.  If you have an evening showing make sure to turn on all the lights. A lamplight glowing in the windows imparts a feeling of welcome and warmth, and that makes a great first impression!

3. Set the Stage for Winter Coziness

When the temperatures drop, you want prospective buyers to say “ah” as they enter the warmth of your home.  Set the thermostats at around 70-72 when you have a showing, even if you normally keep it cooler.  If you have a gas or electric fireplace, turn it on.  Drape a couple of warm and fuzzy throws on a sofa or a chair and light a couple of spicy scented candles or simmer some potpourri in a slow cooker.  Make it so cozy and welcoming, your sellers will never want to leave! Time to write that offer!

4. Create Winter Magic with Decorating

Nothing says welcome like a beautiful wreath on the front door or some greenery on the porch or entrance way. If you have window boxes fill them with winter pine branches. A few white lights around some shrubbery can be dramatic when reflected against the snow. Definitely, decorate but do not go over the top.  Keep it tasteful and simple. 

5. Highlight Winter Features

An enclosed, attached garage will be far more appreciated by winter buyers with bonus points if it’s heated! More than any other time of the year buyers will appreciate saving money on energy. Winter is a great time to point out windows and doors with a high energy saving rating. Do you have a newer energy efficient furnace or water heater? Now’s the best time to tout about these features.  Another great idea is to make sure you had your system cleaned and serviced.  Buyers will appreciate not having to worry about their new home getting through that first winter seamlessly.

Hope you enjoyed my 5 best winter selling suggestions.  Don't forget that no matter what season of the year you are selling your home deep cleaning, de-cluttering and depersonalizing remain critical steps in preparing your home for sale.

If you have any questions, please give me a call - I am happy to help!

• Joe Houghton
• 763-300-2702 
• myrealtorjoe@gmai