It’s a widespread belief that selling a house in the wintertime is difficult. Shorter days, freezing temperatures and snow-filled yards can certainly reduce your residence’s market appeal.
And yet, this season can also offer unique opportunities to bring out your property’s strong points and charm potential buyers.
Create a Homey Atmosphere
The colder months are the perfect time of the year to transform your home’s interior into a relaxed and cozy sanctuary! Visitors will look forward to being enveloped in a comforting cocoon!
- Comfortable rooms: Providing an optimal indoor house temperature is crucial: neither too cool, too hot, too dry, nor too damp, so that visitors feel at ease at soon as they walk in. An essential oil diffuser, for example, can help increase humidity as well as perfume the air.
- Lighting and natural light: Sunlight is in short supply in winter, but you can compensate by maximizing artificial light sources. Set a convivial mood with extra table lamps, wall scones and light fixtures. Draw the curtains and open the blinds before every viewing to let as much light in as possible.
- Soothing textures: Add voluminous cushions, wool blankets and plush rugs to the main rooms to enhance the cozy ambiance. Bonus points if you can greet visitors with a roaring fire in a functional fireplace or stove.
Show Off the Key Rooms
When it comes to attracting buyers, some of your house’s rooms are more important than others. Here are a few ideas:
- In the bedrooms: You want buyers to imagine themselves enjoying a restful night’s sleep in your bedrooms. So, make the bed the star of the show with thick blankets, oversized pillows and soft materials like corduroy, wool and faux fur. Large lanterns placed on the floor can likewise emphasize the wintry ambiance.
- In the bathrooms: Add plush, fluffy towels, wicker baskets, a pretty houseplant and, if possible, dimmed lighting to lend the space a spa-like feel. Scented products by the bath, with a bathtub tray on which to place a glass of wine and book will also encourage visitors to envision themselves relaxing in a hot bath, away from the cold.
Highlight Your Home’s Comfort and Energy-Efficiency Features
Buyers are increasingly energy conscious, especially in winter, when heating costs rise. Drawing attention to the home’s energy-efficiency features during a viewing may prove an excellent way of helping it stand out.
Your broker will no doubt want to talk to visitors about your high efficiency windows and modern and energy-efficient heating system, as the case may be. And don’t forget underfloor heating, which is particularly in demand! It’s also important to mention any smart heating system which lets buyers optimize their energy consumption.
Maximize Curb Appeal: First Impressions Count
Your home’s exterior forms buyers’ first impression, even with all that snow and ice. It’s therefore essential that it looks its best despite what Mother Nature may throw at it. Tidy up the yard. You should, moreover, install outdoor lighting strategically to illuminate your entryway and accentuate your property’s architectural features. Some subtle outdoor seasonal decorations can also add a welcoming touch. Consider arranging some charming containers filled with winter greenery by the front door.
Incorporate Warm and Natural Colours
Colours play a significant role in how a home is perceived. Rooms can seem smaller or colder due to poor colour decisions. Why not try your hand at a little home staging? Swap out a few accessories here and there to change up the look.
In keeping with this time of year, focus on warm and natural hues, like beige, taupe or off-white shades. Integrating splashes of darker tones as well, such as navy blue, olive green or burgundy will add depth to your rooms.
While selling real estate in winter comes with its own particular set of challenges, it’s definitely possible to make the season’s drawbacks work to your advantage!