It’s
oft-said that spring is the best time to sell a home. However, there are
actually more
factors to
consider that matter so much more than optimum outside temperatures. In fact,
some experts might even go out on a limb to say that the cold winter months
would be a more lucrative season for selling. For one thing, people have been
known to relocate for jobs more during the winter months, so sellers will
likely encounter only serious buyers. For another, there’s also less
competition, so homes don’t just sell faster, but processing can be quicker,
too.
Indeed,
the reasons to sell your home in winter are more than compelling. However,
less-than-ideal weather conditions do make it necessary to up your game, too,
in order to make your property just as compelling to potential buyers. So if
you’re looking to successfully stage and sell your home this fall or winter,
consider these simple and affordable measures.
Eliminate clutter.
No
doubt, staging your home is a must, and this is no different during colder
seasons. In fact, it could provide the extra oomph you need to convince
potential buyers that your listing is worth braving the cold for. Professional
staging is, of course, an option, albeit a
costly one.
However, there’s no rule against doing it yourself, too, which you can
successfully do with imagination and a bit of elbow grease. As Early Bird Mom
explains, this invariably starts with decluttering.
As
a general rule of thumb, potential buyers need to be able to envision
themselves in your home to make them want to buy it, regardless of the season.
This can be hard to do, though, when you have personal effects scattered about.
It’s crucial to make your listing a neutral, blank canvas that’s devoid of
distinctive details. So, consider ordering test swatches of neutral tone
wallpaper and putting them up to make your rooms seem larger. Make sure to go through
your home with a fine-toothed comb and pack
away inane
items that look messy and are too personal.
Furthermore,
you should also consider putting these items in storage at Corral Storage while your home is an
active listing. This is because you’ll be able to showcase the space better
without boxes of stuff underfoot.
Prioritize curb appeal.
Curb
appeal is always an important aspect to consider when you put your home on the
market. Usually, a simple makeover towards the home’s exterior and a bit of
landscaping will do the trick. However, when listing your home in fall or
winter, you’ll invariably be working with a rather stark landscape as a
backdrop, plus some rather unforgiving outdoor conditions. With this in mind,
your winter
curb appeal
will likely demand a little bit more effort.
Note
that safety should always be a
priority.
This is particularly important in areas that get a lot of rain or snow in
colder months as debris is always inevitable, as are slippery surfaces. It’s a
good idea, therefore, to stay on top of fallen leaves and other debris, as well
as to shovel snow from walkways and
clear sharp icicles from roof gutters.
Maximize lighting.
Winter
typically makes for a bleak backdrop, so Eveready suggests making liberal use
of light to brighten
up your
listing. While this doesn’t mean going crazy on holiday lighting, it can still
be a good idea to employ it both inside and outside to make your home more
inviting to potential buyers. The key is to be tasteful—think a cozy, lamp-lit
glow that speaks of comfort and warmth inside. Outside, make sure that
walkways, paths, and entryways are well-lit with no dark shadows, exuding
safety and security.
Don't forget about moving!
Now
that you're equipped with tips for staging and selling your home, you can
tackle moving logistics. Since moving during the colder months can be extra
stressful, it's a good idea to hire movers to help you get your stuff to your
new home safely. You can find a great moving company in your area by typing "local movers near me" into a search engine.
Moving services cost an average of $970, but you may end up paying more or less
depending on the weight of your belongings and which service you choose
(packing, transporting, or both). It's best to get at least three estimates and
carefully read company reviews to help you make the right decision.