Winter is not the season we would ideally choose to sell a home in Wisconsin. Why? Because it’s cold and snowy and icy. The market tends to be slower because no one wants to think about packing and moving when it’s below zero outside! But the fact is that sometimes we have no choice but to put our home on the market in the winter. A job relocation, downsizing, a growing family, so many reasons that a house may need to be put on the market today. Though it is not ideal, there are things you can do to help your chances of selling faster during the dark, cold winter months.
To start, let’s focus on the outside of your home. Make sure that you keep up with snow and ice removal. Your driveway and sidewalks should be clear and easily accessible. Potential buyers should not have to step over snowbanks or worry about getting stuck in the driveway! Salt and sand are your best friend. If you have slippery spots, make sure they are taken care of. You don’t want a potential buyer (or real estate agent) slipping on their way in or out of your home. If you have pets, make sure you are using a pet friendly ice removal method! And if you are curious what you should do with your pets while trying to sell check out our blog all about selling with pets. https://www.everyday-propertysolutions.com/blog-1/pets-and-selling
Moving into your home, let’s start with the entry way. Make sure you put away all of your snow gear-boots, snow pants, jackets, hats, etc. Keep the clutter hidden. And make sure you keep the entry way floors clean. Vacuum rugs and wipe down the floors-get rid of all the sand/salt that’s been drug in. Have a rug or mat available for potential buyers to put their boots/shoes when they enter. Having a place to set/hang coats is recommended as well. If you don’t have hooks available, having a bench or chair they can set their jacket on works too!
Moving into the rest of the house we have three main ideas: cozy, well-lit, and warm. You want all the rooms in your home to feel cozy. Add a cozy blanket to the back of the couch or chairs in the living room. Hang robes in the bathroom to give a spa-like feel. Leave an extra blanket nicely placed at the foot of the bed in the bedroom. Having simple, cozy items placed in each room will really give the home an inviting feel during the winter months.
Along with keeping it cozy, you want your home to be well lit. Use lamps to your advantage. If you won’t be around for the showing, you could use self-timers to have lamps turn on at the time of showings so your home stays well lit. Make sure all of your light bulbs are working. Open up the window shades before you leave. Have outdoor lights on as well, especially if the showing is during dark hours.
Lastly, make sure you aren’t being stingy with the heat! It’s quite uninviting to potential buyers if your home is cold and drafty. Turn up the thermostat. If you have working fireplaces, have them on or in use when buyers are coming through.
If you are trying to sell during the winter, these tips can help your home stay warm and inviting while on the market.