How to list your home in the fall and winter months
Real estate is a cycle! Every year families come out in the spring and summer to lock in their new homes before the new school season.
Why people are married to this concept I will never know as I truly feel anytime of the year is a good time to sell and for you may be the right time to sell or you may have to sell for a job change or other unforeseen circumstance.
Whatever the reason is you have to sell now and yours truly is the one to help you through that process.
There may normally be less buyers out during the fall/winter months but right now inventory is so low that anyone coming on the market is in a great position. Also people looking during these months are serious and ready to buy.
Since there are fewer homes available we want to make sure yours is a stand out and a must see so reach out so I can give you all my tips and tricks for your specific home.
It’s your job and your agents to give the prospective buyers the best possible experience. When people first walk in, you want them to feel comfortable to sit and stay for a while. You don’t want them to be distracted by an uncomfortable temperature, a strong smell.
Here are my tips to follow:
Don’t post it on a holiday.
Try to list it on a day before the weekend where people are not checked out and more likely to see it come online.
Make it easy to view the home!
First invest in video and matterport tours to make it easier for buyers to get a feel for your home before they come out to see it in person.
Then be easy and allow day-of showings
Everything should feel clean, fresh and inviting.
- Close your toilet seats before prospective buyers arrive.
- Set the thermostat accordingly, but no higher than 70 degrees. You want people to feel good walking around and don’t want people being too hot or cold.
- Have a beautiful neutral scent.
Make the home light and bright.
Since it’s colder and darker in the winter, you want to maximize the light you have and create a space that is warm and inviting.
- Show in the middle of the day or in the morning to use any natural daylight available.
- Make sure your paint colors are bright neutral.
- Use fresh flowers to brighten up the room.
- If you need more light add recessed lights, or extra lamps.
- Have your windows cleaned to let the light come through beautifully when shades are opened.
Keep it clean
These tips go for a showing at any time of year, but they’re especially important in the fall/winter months when we have less light.
- Change your bedsheets at least once a week.
- De-clutter.
- Keep surfaces free of papers, books etc. live in your home as if it were staged.
Photography:
Make sure you hire someone who can bring in the light and give sparkle to your photos so it looks engaging and people will want to come view it. Try to have photos taken on the best day possible it can make a huge difference especially if you have a view property.
Staging
- Get a designer to do a consultation. Stage if you won’t be living there and if you will be living there get advice from your agent and designer/stager on small changes that can maximise your space.
- Absolutely no holiday decorations. You don’t want to alienate anyone who doesn’t celebrate the holidays you do.
Finally, when in doubt, call me so I can help you get through it 🙂
