How to Sell your Home in the Winter
There is a common misconception about selling your home in the winter.
Many homeowners believe that it isn't the best time to sell, mainly because fewer buyers prowl the markets in the colder months of the year.
The truth of the matter, however, is that winters in South Africa enjoy just as many buyers as any other time of the year.
Sure, there might be a few people who shy away but that doesn't mean that it is the norm. All you need is to think out of the box and find ways to highlight the cosiness of your home. You might not get to show off your pool but you do get to show off your gorgeous fireplace. And what better way is there to ensure that people feel welcome and warm in a house they might very soon call a home?
If you work with the right real estate team and you focus on the important aspects, it is no different to selling your house in the summer
Here are a few tips to sell your home this winter.
1) Consider the weather elements
Weather is unpredictable at best and you never know what might happen.
Keep an eye on the weather channel and consider the conditions on the day your viewers visit your house.
If it is raining, throw a towel or a mat near the front door so that they can wipe their feet before they come inside. This will also save you the effort of having to mop the floor every five minutes.
You can also set up a coat rack so that their wet coats and jackets can dry whilst they look around the house.
If you live in an area where it doesn't rain as much in the winter, you can, of course, also take advantage of this.
Use the time to touch up the exterior and give the house a fresh coat of paint or do some landscaping before the day of your open house.
2) Embrace the winter
Seeing as it is cold outside, you need to create a cosy space inside.
You want your viewers to warm up to your house after all (pun definitely intended)!
Show off your fireplace if you have one and make a big fire before they come. They will appreciate the toasty temperature inside after spending time outside.
You can also offer them hot chocolate, coffee or tea whilst they take a tour of your house.
Soft lighting, heavy rugs, and thick throws can also contribute to a cosy environment inside the house.
3) Let the winter sunshine in
If the sun is out and the wind isn't howling, open a few windows to let some fresh air in.
Our homes are often closed up during the winter to protect us against the cold but this can create a stuffy feeling.
Your viewers might appreciate the warmth but not so much the air-tight space you have accidentally created.
By opening the windows and drawing back the curtains you will also let in as much natural light as possible.
Try to arrange your viewings in the afternoon so that you can show off the best features before it gets dark.
4) Keep your house tidy
For some reason, we accumulate a lot of clutter during the winter months.
If you are selling your home in winter, then you will be way too early for your yearly spring cleaning. You should still, however, make sure that your house is tidy.
Don't let clutter build up and do a thorough cleaning at least once a week.
If you have some outdoor furniture in storage, try to position it so that it still seems neat. Potential buyers might not overlook messy rooms just because it is winter!
5) Make sure you have an online presence
In the age of technology, most potential buyers look at properties online before they actually go to a physical viewing.
Since it is colder outside, many buyers might even solely rely on online listings when purchasing a property.
Your online listing should be active and attractive. Get someone to take high-quality photos of your home and write a vibrant description that can accompany it.
Make sure that you list the correct information and that there isn't any room for misinterpretation. Potential buyers might disregard your listing completely if they feel you are being dishonest.
Final thoughts
There is no reason for you not to have a successful and quick sale of your house during winter. All it takes is a little bit of creativity to make the house feel warm and inviting.
With these few tips, you can't go wrong and you can look forward to a fresh start when summer arrives.