Many people hold off on selling their homes during the cold months because they think that “nobody sells in the winter” and they won’t be able to get a deal done. This is simply not true, and there are actually plenty of reasons to sell your home in the winter. Why not capitalize on less competition and have your listing stand out before everyone else puts their home up for sale?
The Internet Has No Winter
The world that we live in today is becoming more and more internet based, especially during these times while we’re all stuck inside. Almost every interested buyer uses the internet during their search for a home. Even if more houses are bought and sold in the spring, having a properly listed home available in the winter will get attention from those searching online. A buyer isn’t going to pass up on a good opportunity just because they were planning on buying in the spring.
Less Sellers + More Exposure = SOLD
Less sellers means less competition, since there aren’t as many other listings available for buyers to choose from. A properly listed home with little competition is a recipe for a sale. People usually have more time off of work during the winter, and with the cold weather there is much more time spent inside on the internet. Your home can actually get more exposure if it is listed during the winter, and this exposure is high quality. These people aren’t scrolling through hundreds of listings, they are taking an in depth consideration of the few listings in front of them.
Winter Selling Tips
- Double down on online marketing. With COVID and winter weather happening, you’re going to want to give buyers everything that they need from the comfort of their home. This means detailed pictures, a video tour/walkthrough of the home, virtual open houses, and more. Many realtors don’t go above and beyond to include these things, so make sure you pick the right one (I offer all of this and more).
- Make it warm and cozy. You want your home to look like the best place to warm up and escape from the outside weather. Light a fire and make your home look as cozy as possible for listing pictures and videos. You can find some tips for warming up your home here.
- Crank up the curb appeal. Snow and dirt can make a property look horrible if they aren’t kept under control. The last thing you want is a buyer driving past your for sale sign and seeing dirt and snow piled up all over the driveway. This is not inviting and makes it look like you don’t take care of your property. First impressions are everything, and if the outside of your home isnt maintained you probably won’t get much interest.
- Less decorations. If you’re selling around Christmas time, keep the decorations to a minimum. A lawn covered in lights and inflatable reindeer is distracting and takes attention away from the features of the home. Stick to some classy Christmas lights and a wreath on the door. Once Christmas is over, take down your decorations as soon as possible and let the home shine.
What Are You Waiting For?
With all of these advantages to help you sell, it could be a good idea to put your home up for sale sooner than you thought. If you’re thinking about getting ahead of the spring rush and want some more info on selling your home, take a look at my Seller’s Guide or get a free Home Value Estimate. For buyers, I also have a free Buyer’s Guide to help you get the best deal with the least amount of stress.
If you’re ready to buy or sell, it is essential that you pick a real estate agent who is going to go above and beyond for you. I am a master of the Uxbridge/Port Perry market who is devoted to providing my clients with unmatched service and expertise so that they get the best deal possible. Feel free to contact me at any time.
My personal cell: 289-675-4882
Email: brad@braddornellas.com