As temperatures drop, the winter property chill sets in. We typically see listing numbers dip as sellers hit pause and prepare their properties for a spring sale – along with hordes of other motivated sellers. So, why wait for the competition to hit the market in spring? Here are real estate tips to maximise your home's sale potential this winter.
1. Warm up buyers with cosy décor
Invite buyers in from the cold with a warm embrace. Think about warm, natural lighting, ensuring the home is well heated before inspections and adding warming, welcoming scents like vanilla, cinnamon, or caramel. Colours and textures also create a cocooning atmosphere, so turn up the heat with cosy and chic styling updates that hero warm earthy tones, layered throws or accent rugs that infuse fresh appeal into your home.
2. First impressions that are trimmed, pruned, and ready to shine
A tried and true feature in every blog about selling homes – at any time of the year – is nailing your curb appeal. This can be a bit trickier in winter months, where rain, mud, leaves, and debris come to the fore, but there are a few simple things you can do to keep on top of this. Start by ensuring gutters are cleared, paths are cleaned and slip-free and your garden areas are neat and tidy. Sometimes, a few wheelbarrows of fresh wood chip can make all the difference. Add fresh doormats at entryways, and dial up the Feng Shui with a tidy solution for wet umbrellas and shoes.
3. Make heating comforts the hero
Whether it’s a crackling fireplace, underfloor or split system heating or double glazing, crank up these features in both your listing and at open homes to showcase how your home handles the cooler months. If your home is lacking in the heating department, consider investing in an energy-effcient heating solution prior to sale – this will add value, keep your home up to standard, and could make all the difference.
4. Set the scene for year-round enjoyment
Décor aside, focus your staging efforts on areas of the home that can bring year-round joy, whatever the weather. This could be a well-set dining table complete with candles and ambient floor lamp lighting, a snug reading or on-trend mindless nook, or covered outdoor spaces complete with heating, cosy seating and fairy lights or lanterns that create a magical atmosphere even on the stormiest of days.
5. Banish dark, damp interiors
Natural light is often at a premium during the winter months, and gloomy interiors can be a real turn off. Firstly, ensure your windows are clean, and then pay attention to your blinds, curtains, and shutters. Unless these are for privacy, cast them wide open and invite that watery winter sunshine into your home. Don’t overlook unsavoury odours either; use a dehumidifier to banish any damp smells and keep the air fresh and clean.
6. Lights, camera, action!
Your home looks its absolute best, and you’ve nailed your pricing strategy. All that’s left is top-tier photography to show off your home's greatest assets. A picture is worth a thousand words (or in this case thousands of dollars), as it can make all the difference between buyers scrolling on by your online listing or going in for the click. A skilled photographer will capture your property in the best light – literally – on brighter days or at twilight to add warmth and a welcoming glow, pick the best angles and compositions.
7. Capture armchair shoppers with smart online marketing
With people spending more time indoors over the winter months and the majority of real estate buyers starting their home search online, smart online marketing is a crucial part of your winning winter formula. Ensure your home is well-represented on major real estate platforms, and consider virtual tours for the ultimate in armchair shopping. And the good news is you don’t have to be a digital expert to ensure your property’s presence in the right places.
Make winter work for you
Selling your home in winter isn’t a disadvantage. With fewer listings on the market, it’s the perfect time to capture the hearts of potential buyers and secure the price that you’re after. So don’t wait for the spring rush – reach out to us now and take the first step towards finding your next home.