How To Sell Your Home This Winter At A Great Price

While late spring and early summer are generally known as the best time of year to sell a home, selling your home during the winter months also has its benefits, and may fit your schedule or goals a bit better. Winter buyers tend to be a bit more serious, and considering the current state of the Hampton Roads real estate market, you may be able to cash in on a great price for your home. Here are a few tips that our Verity Group agents have for homeowners who are looking to sell their home this winter.

1. Create A Sense of Warmth

A well-lit home not only shows the uniqueness and features of your home, but buyers may actually prefer it. Opening window shades and blinds, experimenting with different light bulbs and even adding extra lighting to dark corners in your home will help buyers feel welcome and at home in their possible future home. Consider purchasing battery-operated, flameless candles for an added touch of coziness during the dark winter months.

2. Turn Up The Heat!

This simple task can make a world of a difference when buyers are considering a future home. As they enter your home from cold winter temperatures, it will feel nice to be greeted with warmth. Turn up the heat a few degrees and double-check for drafts by windows and doors prior to showings to ensure your home is cozy and comfortable for future buyers.

3. Declutter

Decluttering your home is an important step to preparing for a move for several reasons. Prior to listing, you'll want to be sure to pack away, donate or discard any extra clutter or personal belongings around your home so that the photographer and showing agents can easily show buyers the unique features and aspects of your home. Remember - buyers are there to see the home, not your personal collection of items from your past vacations!

4. Create Winter Curb Appeal

Don't neglect your curb appeal! Having excellent curb appeal, even in the winter months may translate into a higher sale price. Be sure to tidy up your landscaping to remove any remaining leaves or brush from the lawn or window wells, clear walkways from ice or snow, remove debris gutters to avoid icicle formation, and add winter-hardy plants or even faux plants to add even more dimension and color during the winter months.

5. Don't Go Overboard with Scents

While it can be tempting to want to make your home smell of fresh balsam or pomegranate, these kinds of smells can be overpowering to buyers, not to mention buyers may wonder if there is another, less appealing smell you may be trying to cover. If you can't open windows to air out last night's dinner, try using baking soda or citrus-scented cleaners to neutralize any lingering smells, and take out the trash prior to any showings. If you feel the need to create a welcoming smell for your potential buyers, consider brewing a fresh pot of coffee prior to showings. This subtle, familiar, and cozy scent will make buyers feel at home in your space without overpowering their senses.

We hope you find these tips helpful! See what your home may be worth by clicking here, or reach out to us for a complimentary market report to see what homes values are in your neighborhood!