By Michelle Gillespie, Realtor, Prudential Prime Properties
While the warmer months are generally regarded as the time for home sellers to get their property ready for sale, marketing the home in winter and early spring is also possible. Homebuyers are out looking for homes 12 months a year, and there's no reason to drop the ball on sprucing up a home December through March. This month, I listed two properties and one them went under agreement within two weeks. Here are some tips I would recommend as your listing agent for selling your home in the winter months.
Heat it up: If you are planning an open house or have showings scheduled, turn up the thermostat and make your home warm and inviting. A buyer visiting a cold home will race through the property and start questioning the windows and insulation.
Light it up: If your home has a fireplace, this is the perfect opportunity to show potential buyers how cozy a fireplace can be. “There are few things as warm and inviting as a burning fire on a wintry day.” With the shorter days and the sun setting in late afternoon, turn on the lights to help make your home warm and welcoming.
Smell of Success: While you may not think your home has a smell to it, refreshing the air and filling the home with sweet aromas can do wonders in making a favorable impression. The scents I would recommend are cinnamon, French vanilla, butter cream, or coffee, filling the air to perk up those looking around.? Scents subtly impact the atmosphere; you can create a delightful aromatic space by using therapeutic grade essential oils or scented candles.
Take care of snow and ice: Make sure that the walk way is clear; the driveway is shoveled and put down salt to control any icy surfaces. If a buyer pulls up to your home and has to slush through inches of snow, they may not even bother to enter. For those sellers who aren's currently living in their home that is for sale, make sure to hire someone to clear it for you.
Use photographs: If you have a beautiful lawn, stunning perennial garden or an outdoor pool or deck, many times these are quickly overlooked or passed by because of snow. Take some eye-catching photos of these amenities during the warm months and display them during a winter showing so buyers can get a better understanding of what the outside truly has to offer.
Schedule open houses: Winter is a great time to host open houses because there is less competition. Many people don's believe that selling in the winter is a good idea, so take advantage of less competition. There are many serious buyers out during the winter months, including corporate clients who usually need to relocate within the first quarter of the year.?This month, I had very well attended open houses at my listings, which shows the buyers are out looking for new inventory.
Since a lot of people are waiting until spring to put their home on the market, having a home ready in winter is a great way to beat the rush. Call me if you want to sell your home this winter.
In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you, your family and friends a wonderful holiday season and a happy, healthy, prosperous New Year.
Now's the time! If you are thinking of selling your home, and would like to discuss the best approach for a positive outcome, or if you are looking for a new home, call me Michelle Gillespie at 508-934-9818, or email [email protected]. For more information visit my website at www.michellegillespie.com.
An independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates Inc. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation of Prudential.
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