Your Home: Tips to sell in the winter
Updated: Updated 02/25/2012 11:49 AM
By: Ryan Peterson
Some people think selling your house in the winter is a challenge and not advisable. That's not necessarily the case. Especially during a mild winter which we're in the midst of. However, during the typically snow covered winter months, there are some things to keep in mind that will set your house apart.
“The key thing is, if you are listing in the winter, to make your house as desirable as possible from the street view. One of the ways to do that is by putting a wreath on the front door. Maybe a little bit of greenery, in the winter that's challenging because you can't put natural greenery there, but a nice decorative pot would be pretty,” said Real Estate Sales Associate Beth Grzyboski.
Your house tends to be buttoned up when it's cold outside, fresh, circulating air is at a minimum. Grzyboski reminds us to be aware of odors, among other things.
“Once we get them in the house, there a so many things that have to be done in the winter. Because the house is closed up and we don't have the windows open, nice fresh air, it's really important to neutralize odors. Make sure the driveway is shoveled. Make sure there is a little carpet at the front door where they can take their shoes off and have a place where the slush can melt,” said Grzyboski.
Now aside from the fact that it has been a mild winter and you haven't had to concern yourself really with snow removal if you're trying to sell your house, one of the best times to sell during the winter according to Grzyboski is that the majority of folks take their houses off the market until spring time so there is less competition.
“The positive thing about selling your house in the winter is that there's less inventory. Another benefit of listing in the winter is, the people who are actually looking in the winter are serious buyers,” said Grzyboski.
One final thought: If you know earlier in the year that you'll be putting your house on the market in the winter, make sure to take some pictures of the house, your yard and other features that might end up hidden beneath the snow and make those photos available to potential buyers.
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