9 Tips for Selling a House in the Winter

Selling your home during the wintertime? Follow these tips and prepare your home like a pro!

Canada's short-lived spring and summer season is known to be the most active time of the year for the real estate market. Lush green trees and grass, the warm touch of the sun, and the glorious aroma of BBQ coming from the neighbourhood surely "move" us. But what about winter? It seems a lot calmer in the real estate market, doesn't it? You don’t see so many of those open house signs hanging around on every street. Everyone seems too busy focusing on holiday plans and vacations. More than anything else, it's brutally cold outside! Who would want to sell or buy a home during the winter? Well, most certainly, some people do (willingly or not), and the real estate trade continues at quite a decent pace. Life goes on!

Selling a house during the winter might even seem like an easier, "effortless" option. Since half of the property will be covered in snow anyway, you might just as well leave the house as-is when listing the property — buyers will surely understand, right? Absolutely wrong!! If you want to sell your home for the best price possible (why wouldn't you?), winter is the most critical time of the year to put extra care (and love) into your property, inside and out. The goal is to captivate as many potential buyers as possible fast! And, of course, to immediately stand out from the competing houses.

So, here goes 9 tips for selling a house during the winter.

1. Safety First

Keep snow and ice off all driveways, sidewalks, stairs, and entrance paths at all times. Make sure there are no icicles hanging off the eavestroughs. Clean wet floors in porch and foyer areas before every showing that is booked. Be mindful to try to provide sufficient parking space for visitors. If there's no driveway, clear the snowbanks off the sides of the street, if possible.

2. Not the Time for Saving Energy

Whether the house is occupied or vacant, make sure the entire house is well heated. Set the thermostat to a warm and comfortable temperature above 22° C. If there is an electric or gas fireplace, don't be shy about turning it on before showings. A toasty and cozy vibe is the key! Always keep all the lights on in the house, even the lamps and accent lights. A bright and cheery mood definitely wins over a dark and gloomy one.

3. Avoid Cold-Toned Wall Colours

If your existing wall colours have cold bluish undertones, consider painting them over in neutral colours with warm undertones. Remember, potential buyers who visit your house are already shivering! You want them to feel nice and warm as soon as they enter the house. Soft cream, light taupe or greige (warm grey) are the safest choices.

4. No Obnoxious Christmas Decor

Remember that not everyone celebrates or believes in Christmas. The general rule is that any personal or religious items, such as a cross or Jesus sculpture, should be put away until the house is sold. Decorating your home for the holidays while listing your home is okay so long as it doesn't negatively affect how buyers see the home. A massive Christmas tree looking out of proportion or too many little decor pieces everywhere can make the space look smaller and cluttered. Try to keep it as minimal and neutral as possible. Opt for a Scandinavian style Christmas tree and gold or silver accents.

5. Check the Windows

Watch out for excessive condensation on the windows inside the home. It can cause water dripping and damage the frames, walls, and floors. Make sure to keep the window area as dry as possible and wipe the area clean before each showing. Condensation doesn't mean that the windows are in bad condition. But, if you know that the windows are very old or that the frames are warped or rotted, consider replacing them before listing the house. It can be very expensive, but new windows will make your home feel instantly newer and cleaner.

6. Plush Beddings

When buyers walk into a bedroom, you want them to visualize themselves enjoying a snuggly and cozy Sunday morning in bed. You may sleep better in a thin layer of sheets in real life, but that isn't going to do anything for buyers! Make your bed with extra layers of plush comforters and blankets. Stay simple and neutral in style and colour but be bold with texture. Faux fur, sweater-like or quilted blankets and pillows are great choices to create a relaxing and inviting bedroom.

7. Don't Forget the Outside

Even if the outdoor space is covered in snow, don't be afraid to showcase how wonderful the space can be for warmer seasons. If you have a covered porch, balcony, or deck, clean up the snow and lightly furnish it with a couple of patio chairs and a side table. Dress it up with accessories that look suitable for the colder season. Red pillows, a thick taupe sweater throw, and some artificial winterberry planters will do the trick!

8. Smell Check

Once your house is listed, try not to cook heavily aromatic foods. I know it's a tough one to follow, but you don't want to turn off potential buyers because of food odors. Any odors can be trapped inside the house for a long time in the winter because we don't get to open the windows often for fresh air. However, do feel free to bake away when it comes to sweet goodies. The good old apple pie trick always works wonders! Brewing coffee or tea can also help leave the house smelling pleasant and welcoming.

9. Put Yourself into a Buyer's Shoes

If you are a seller, you were a buyer at one point and most likely you will become one again soon. Ask yourself, as a buyer, what things matter to you when searching for a new home? Start visiting open houses and take notes from your own experiences. Then look back at your home. Do any of the notes make you think of something to improve in your house?

Selling a home in the winter may seem overwhelming. But when it's done right, you get to kick off a fresh and wealthy new year! Take advantage of holiday spirits and new year's motives to fuel yourself and potential buyers. Perhaps, your new year’s mantra can be "May the force be with you". (... Extremely pumped about catching up on all the Star Wars episodes!)