For many, this time of year is already packed with travel, school events, and holiday prep. But if life has you listing your home this winter, whether for a job move, a growing household, or a fresh start, there are smart ways to make the season work in your favor. Below are 8 practical tips from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Consumer Guide to help your home shine in colder months. And before you start checking boxes, talk with a local Realtor who can tailor these ideas to your timeline, budget, and neighborhood.
The months of December through February see less robust real estate activity in many areas due to the holidays and the cold weather, according to NAR. But if you need to sell your home during winter, you can capitalize on certain advantages that seasonal selling provides. For one thing, winter buyers are typically motivated, whether it’s due to a work relocation, expanding family, or other pressing need. And because there are generally fewer homes on the market during this time, sellers can benefit from less competition when negotiating offers.
Focus on curb appeal. Clean up fallen leaves and dead branches. Make the front door inviting with planted topiaries, a festive door wreath, and a fresh welcome mat.
Make the exterior safe. If you’re in an area with ice and snow, clear the driveway and walking paths. Spread rock salt or sand to prevent slips and falls.
Spruce up the interior. Declutter and clean all the rooms. Then, add warmth with fuzzy throw pillows and blankets. If you have a fireplace, fire it up for open houses, but never when the home is unattended for any period. Set your dining table as if you’re hosting a holiday get-together.
Add potted indoor plants. Flowering plants or an indoor herb garden can add additional warmth and liven up the interior of your home.
Light it up. Clean windows to allow more natural light to shine through. Replace burned-out lightbulbs, add standing lamps to darker spaces, and turn on all the lights for showings to ensure the home is bright and cheerful.
Warm it up. Keep the temperature at a comfortable level for showings. Turning down the thermostat will make your home feel cold and uninviting.
Accommodate showing requests. Allowing showings during the holiday season can be difficult, but the answer to showing requests should almost always be yes. Don’t miss out on showing your beautiful home to motivated buyers.
Pay attention to the senses. Buyers may be sensitive to strong perfumes and scented candles. Opt first for a “clean” smell, and then consider adding a touch of vanilla, citrus, or cinnamon.
These adjustments can yield a quicker sale with a greater net during winter months.
Bonus Tip: Should holiday decorations come down? Some decorations can add a festive mood to your home. But avoid going overboard. If you have a Christmas tree, consider removing ornaments that are too personal. Save them to put up next year in your new home.
Short days and cold temps don’t have to chill your sale. Keep the experience welcoming, highlight what makes your home comfortable, and lean on a Realtor to keep the process moving smoothly from the first showing to closing. #That’sWhoWeR
Greater Chattanooga REALTORS® is The Voice of Real Estate in Greater Chattanooga. A regional organization with nearly 3,000 members, Greater Chattanooga Realtors is one of some 1,200 local boards and associations of Realtors nationwide that comprise the National Association of Realtors. Greater Chattanooga Realtors service Hamilton and Sequatchie counties in southeast Tennessee, and Catoosa, Dade, and Walker counties in northwest Georgia. For more information, visit www.gcar.net or call 423.698.8001.