Reasons to Sell your home in Winter
Selling or buying in winter might seem like a daunting task. Chilly, wet weather and fading light are all reasons why one would think winter is not the right time to sell or buy your home. On the contrary - winter provides a different dynamic, but when utilised correctly it could make the world of difference.
Some homes show better in winter.
There are many reasons to why some homes are more appealing in winter, but it could be the colour scheme inside the house, the positioning of the home or a cosy fireplace. These elements would be lost during summer. Therefore, if you have a home that already has a warm and welcoming feel, it would be best to try and sell your home in winter. The warm and welcoming feeling allows the purchaser to envision themselves enjoying the chilly days in doors, in what could possibly be their future home.
Besides some homes having a better winter appeal, homes also indicate clearly in winter how they can handle the elements. Sellers are able to ensure that all faults such as leaks are corrected timeously, and buyers are able to see where possible problems could seep in in the future.
Less Competition
This should be incentive enough to sell. There are simply less homes on the market during winter, which means buyers will have less options to choose from. Buyers who are adamant on finding a home soon, are more prone to buying a home closer to asking price as well. Therefore, with less competition, you have a higher chance of getting a higher offer on your home than you might have received in summer.
Motivated Buyers
The Chilly weather is guaranteed to provide you as a seller with more motivated buyers. Very few individuals enjoy galivanting in the cold and wet weather. For this reason, those individuals attending viewings or open houses are more likely to be serious buyers. Unfortunately, some buyers are not quite sure what they are looking for yet and end up attending viewings or open houses to spark an idea of what they are looking for. If individuals are home hunting in winter, the chances are higher that they are dedicated to finding a home and are sure of what they are looking for.
Energy Efficiency
Longer showers, more lights and heaters lead to more energy being used. By highlighting how energy efficient your home is, you will be able to bag a buyer sooner rather than later. Energy efficiency is trending and for a good reason. Not only will you be saving money but will be having a smaller impact on the environment.
Easier to showcase the comfort factor
Many people crave a space where they can feel comfortable and safe. The winter months provide the perfect opportunity to display just how comfortable your home can be in winter.
Essential tips for selling in winter:
Light your fire
If your home has a fireplace, create that perfect ambiance by lighting your fireplace. Possible purchasers will love this and will be able to imagine themselves curled up in front of the fire.
Focus on natural light
Natural light in winter is your best friend. Opt for earlier viewings if possible and use the natural light that you have to your disposal optimally. Ensure that your windows are also clean, this creates the illusion that your home has better lighting.
Get on the mend
As mentioned previously, winter brings possible leaks and blockages. Use this time to ensure that all leaks and blockages are fixed.
Kick that odour out
Winter brings a whole bunch of new odours floating through your home. From a cooking smell to that mouldy dog smell. Ensure your home stays smelling fresh by having ample fresh air flow through the home. You could also have some scented candles burning that will also add to a lovely atmosphere.
Clean up your garden
By keeping your garden clean during winter, you also amplify your curb appeal. As the say first impressions last. Therefor you should ensure that all twigs and leaves have been picked up and trees are pruned etc.
The biggest point that one needs to take into consideration when selling in winter are those creature comforts that we all yearn for. Use these to your advantage and you are bound to find your suited purchaser.
