Advice for sellers on how best to show your home during the winter months

Selling a home any time of the year can be stressful, however, selling a home during the winter months throws a new curve at sellers. The weather is dreary, there is less daylight so there are fewer available hours to show the house and the lawn doesn’t look its best. Not all sellers have the luxury of waiting to sell their home during the spring or summer season. What can sellers do to overcome these obstacles and make the most of showing their homes during the winter months? 

1. Keep the walkways and paths clear of snow and ice:  If the buyer can’t get in easily, the house won’t sell. This also gives the impression that the house is well maintained. If you are away for extended periods in the winter make sure to hire a service that will regularly plow and salt driveways and walkways.  

2. Wash the Windows: Windows are one thing that many sellers overlook. In winter, the strong southern light can reveal grime which can make it look like the house is not well maintained.    Buyers act on first impression so make sure those windows sparkle!

3. Keep it Cozy and Warm: Turn up the thermostat before showings to keep the temperature comfortable. In addition, turning on a gas fireplace before showings adds ambience. Tune the radio to a classical music station and play music softly in the background to create a little atmosphere. Staging the scene with simple touches such as placing a warm throw on a sofa or folding back a comforter on the bed helps the buyer visualize themselves living in the house.

4. Light:  Try to schedule all showings during daylight hours and make the most of the natural light you have. Open curtains and blinds wide during daytime showings. Clean all lamps and fixtures and replace bulbs with the highest wattage they can accommodate. Turn on all lights before showing the house. Consider putting indoor and outdoor lights on timers so that the house always looks warm and welcoming whenever prospective buyers drive past. Pay particular attention to the outside lighting around the front door to make sure there is enough light to make it inviting.

5. Give the home a nice aroma: Everyone loves the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies! Other favorite scents include cinamon, freshly baked bread, apple pie, and cider. Just don’t overdo it with air fresheners and scented candles as buyers may wonder what you are trying to cover up. Watch out for bad aromas which are a real turn-off to potential buyers. Pet smells, smoke and musty or mildew odors cling to carpets, drapes and upholstery. Make sure to air out the house and clean or replace smelly drapes, carpets and area rugs before you begin showing the house.

6. Protect Your Investment: Don’t be afraid to ask buyers to remove their shoes and boots before touring the house.  Most buyers won’t mind and it reflects positively on your “pride of ownership” and meticulousness with potential buyers. 

7. Take Advantage of the Season and Emphasize Winter Positives: In the winter, with leaves off trees, the property may have a great view which is not so apparent in the other seasons. It’s a great time to sell water view properties. Make sure to mention to buyers if the house is located on a route that is plowed or iced regularly by the town in bad weather.  

In conclusion, be prepared to put some effort into showing your house at its best. It’s a bit more difficult to make homes look really appealing this time of year, but if you do it right you can really make your house stand out.

 Elyse Marsh, Realtor  

 Pinnacle Properties

 Office: 781-237-5000

 Cell: 617-816-9797

email: emarsh@prphomes.com

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