winter-flowers

Why is selling your house in Winter a good idea?

We’ll tell you why and how to sell your house this Winter

Are you sitting on the fence about whether you should be selling your house in Winter? You’ll find this article packed full of advice and tips. You’ll be climbing off that fence and pitching a for sale sign in your front yard ASAP.

Winter Vs Spring

Real estate folklore is that Spring is the season to sell. That if you want to sell for top dollar, you’d better do it in the warmer months. Have you heard this legend? Chances are if you have, you’re worried that selling in Winter months is going to disadvantage you. The truth is, there is a distinct advantage to selling in Winter. What is it? Well, it’s the fact that there’s less competition. Winter sees far fewer homes on the market than Spring does. Why is that an advantage? Because people have less to choose from. And when they have less to choose from, your beautifully presented property is going to stand head and shoulders above the others.

tips for selling your home in winter

Buyers are willing to pay good money to secure great properties when Jack Frost is about. Buyers will even brave the cold to bid aggressively at auctions when they’ve found their dream property. It’s a supply and demand thing. Keep in mind that potential buyers who are looking at houses in Winter are highly motivated. Think about it. Would you take on the wind and rain to head out to open for inspections if you were just kicking tyres? Unlikely. You can bet that those who cross your threshold during winter are serious about buying.

A well-presented property will sell for its worth at any time of the year. So, don’t get caught up in the idea that there’s a selling season. If you’re ready to put your home on the market and it’s winter, why wait for Spring? Who knows what the property market will be doing three months from now? Right now, the market is hot (check out our latest sales to see what we mean).

Tips for selling your home in Winter

There are specific factors you should keep in mind when presenting a property for sale in Winter:

Create a cosy atmosphere
Is there anything better than stepping from the bitter cold into the warm embrace of a cosy home? You instantly breathe a sigh of relief, and your body uncoils. You relax and positive feelings flood your body. This is exactly the kind of feeling you want to create when you’re selling your house in Winter. But how to do this? It’s not hard.
1. Have the heating on. Bonus points for a roaring wood fire or elegant gas fireplace.
2. Layer the house in warmth. Lay luxurious blankets over lounges. Place chunky throws on the bed so that buyers can picture themselves snuggled up in your home. Use textural rugs on the floor that your buyers’ toes will adore (you don’t want them to get cold feet!).
3. Use rich wintery colours in your soft furnishings and doona covers. Think plump cushions and luxurious towels that create a sense of opulence. But make sure they complement your home.

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Brighten up the yard
Ok so in Spring we know the flowers are blooming and the butterflies and birds are out in force. It’s idyllic. But there’s no reason that you can’t have a beautiful Winter garden as well. There are lots of plants that produce gorgeous blooms in Winter. Scatter them throughout the garden or place them in pots at the entry to your home. Rake up any leaves on the ground and tidy up your garden borders. First impressions really do count.

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Let in the light
There’s less light in Winter and this means spaces can look and feel dark and cramped. You’ll need to take advantage of the available light. Make sure curtains are open, windows are clean, the lights – including any feature lights – are on. This will give buyers the warm fuzzies about your home. The odd strategically placed candle can work well. But make sure their scent isn’t overpowering.

Use mirrors across from windows to bounce light around the room. These also have the added bonus of making the room feel bigger. Make sure your walls are nice and bright. Choose a neutral colour like a white with a hint of warmth to make the home feel more inviting.

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Ask people to leave their shoes at the door
This gives the impression that your home and your flooring has been meticulously cared for. If your flooring is particularly new or simply stunning, this will also help to draw attention to it. It will also stop the home from getting muddy and wet as your open for inspection unfolds, ensuring the home looks its best for all the potential buyers that come through it.

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Fix any damp spots or mould
Winter highlights flaws like this. And they’re a sure way to turn a buyer off. You need to hire professionals to find the source of the damp – whether it’s a leaky gutter or cracked roof tile. Pay them to fix it properly and carry out any necessary cosmetic repairs.

Make the outdoors inviting all year round
Show buyers how they can use the outdoor space even in the winter months. Strip heating on the alfresco is fantastic if you have it. Pizza ovens conjure up sublime nights with the family, enjoying a glass of full-bodied red wine. But the piece de resistance in winter must be the outdoor firepit. They beckon people, marshmallows in hand, into the backyard to enjoy the cooler months. The air is crisp and pure, and the views go on for miles in Winter. So, if you have a spectacular view of the Blue Mountains from your yard, it’s worth the effort to entice buyers to see it.

Guardian Realty Winter Sales

Are you sold?

Don’t be put off by the scaremongers that say Winter is a bad time to sell. Just follow our tips for selling your home in Winter. Then, have a look at our agent profiles to see who will be selling your house this Winter. And get in touch with the best real estate agency in the Hills District – Guardian Realty.