Winterizing Your Home for Sale: Six Clever Tips for Maximum Appeal

When listing your property at the coldest time of year, winterizing your home takes on a whole new meaning.

Beyond clearing away the snow and checking the weather stripping around doors and windows, winterizing your home for selling includes key tasks designed to increase its appeal to prospective buyers. Although it’s not traditionally a popular time of year for listing properties, some solid reasons favor winter home sales.

In this article, we will explore the benefits of listing your home during the winter months and the steps you can take to make it look its best.

Believe it or not, winter is a great time to sell!

People considering selling in the winter often wonder, “Should I wait until the spring to put my place on the market?”, as that is usually the time of year when homes are offered. But in truth, selling in the winter can be financially beneficial compared to other seasons. Here’s why:

• Less competition: Since many people consider spring to be the best season to sell, many homeowners wait until then to list their properties. This increases the amount of inventory potential buyers have to consider. Fewer homes are available in the winter so it’s a great time to put your home on the market. With less competition, your property will receive more attention.
• Serious buyers: If people are house hunting during frigid winter weather, they’re probably ready to make a move. In the spring, the flood of new houses on the market coupled with warmer weather often entices lots of folks who aren’t prepared to buy.
• Holiday cash: When end-of-the-year bonus time rolls around, people often focus on the big-ticket items they’ve been longing for, whether that’s a new car, a lavish vacation, or even a new place to live. They want to strike while the iron (and their bank account) is hot.

Follow these smart strategies for selling your home during the winter.

Now that you’re aware of the benefits of selling your home during cold weather months, you may be wondering what’s the best way to go about it. Here are six surefire tips to put your property in its best light:

1. Remove all ice and snow.

If you live in a climate where snow and ice are common, it’s crucial to keep your property free of potential obstacles and safety hazards. Sidewalks, driveways, and doorsteps should be clear and as dry as possible to give potential buyers easy access to the house and help them avoid a nasty fall. Watch for ice dams, too, which can form around eaves and gutters, causing serious damage like water intrusion and mold.

2. Tidy up the exterior.

During the harsh winter weather, windows and siding often develop a layer of dirt that leaves homes looking drab and unappealing. If temperatures permit, pressure wash the exterior to remove the grime. Ensure you’re making the best first impression by keeping your property neat and free from debris amid the winter chill.

3. Add some greenery.

In the gray days of winter, evergreen shrubs like arborvitae, cedars, boxwoods, holly, and junipers create a welcome splash of color. They keep your yard looking fresh and appealing throughout the winter months. If space is limited, add some colorful pots of evergreen shrubs on the porch or along the sidewalk.

4. Brighten up.

The days are short during winter so find alternative ways to add light to your property. Invest in good outdoor lighting that illuminates the walkway, porch, garage, and yard around your home. Make sure all of the outdoor lights are working properly and replace the bulbs for good measure. Landscape lighting is a smart way to create an inviting glow while calling attention to your home’s exterior assets. Use them to highlight unique architectural features or beautiful foliage, for example.

5. Prioritize coziness.

It’s important for potential buyers to feel welcome and at ease when they walk through your door. Keeping your home comfortably warm is a subtle way to make it feel cozier.  Add some blankets, rugs, candles, and pillows throughout the space. If you have a fireplace, make sure it’s on during showings.

6. Create a welcoming front porch.

Your home’s entryway sets the stage for what awaits on the inside. Spruce up your front door with a fresh coat of paint in a shade that complements the rest of your home’s palette. Add a pretty accent wreath for extra charm. If any porch elements are in disrepair, be sure to fix them immediately. Top it off with enticing lighting fixtures, gleaming door hardware, and a fresh new doormat.

Don’t let the thought of selling your home in the winter leave you out in the cold. Armed with the right tips and tricks, winterizing your home for sale can be easy and profitable.

When it comes to real estate, first impressions are lasting impressions. Make sure every potential buyer is greeted by the charm of your winter curb appeal efforts. If you need more inspiring ideas, Certified Title is here to help. Please reach out to us anytime.

About Certified Title Corporation: Since 1994, attorney-owned Certified Title Corporation has been furnishing residential and commercial real estate stakeholders across the nation with robust title insurance, settlement, and escrow services. Renowned for industry-leading reliability and an exemplary level of service and quality, the Maryland-based company helps clients from all walks of life achieve their asset goals. To learn more, call (888)486-5511 or visit https://www.certifiedtitlecorp.com/.