Tips for Selling a House in the Winter

It’s true that home sales pick up in the warmer months, but many homeowners do choose to sell their houses in the winter. If you’re in that boat, we have some tips to help your home shine. With a little forethought, you can take steps to make your house show well and grab the attention of potential buyers. Here’s how to prep for selling your home in the winter.

Up Your Curb Appeal

Without the greenery of spring and summer, yards and other outdoor spaces look less inviting. Give these zones some extra attention to help them look their best.

Red Ember Aspen Bronze Round Fire Pit with Grill Grate and FREE Cover

Consider keeping patio furniture out to show how outdoor spaces can be used in warmer weather. Include a patio heater or fire pit to warm up the area.

Coral Coast Cape Maye Outdoor Planter

Don’t neglect outdoor planters just because it’s chilly. Remove any dried-up plants and replace them with seasonal fillers, such as faux evergreen, a bundle of birch logs or other outdoor décor.

Pure Garden Solar Powered LED Pathway Lights

Make your home more welcoming to potential buyers with plenty of warm outdoor lighting. Consider a motion-sensing light above the garage, and make sure that outdoor wall lanterns are functioning and looking their best.

Line your walkway with solar lights for a bright and welcoming first impression. (For more inspiration, take a look at the outdoor lighting idea board.)

Combat the Cold

Cozy up the inside of your home to ward off the cold. Make sure the thermostat is set at a comfortable temperature, and add insulation or caulking where needed to eliminate cool drafts.

If it snows, be sure to shovel all outdoor paths, and put down salt to keep walkways from getting icy.

When staging your home during the winter, the standard recommendations still apply, but you’ll want to take a few extra steps as well. Declutter every space, including closets, storage, cupboards and the refrigerator. Consider taking down or temporarily replacing personal pictures and clean, clean, clean.

Fringed Throw by Peri Home

When you’re staging, take a moment to up the cozy factor. Place throw blankets in a basket in the living room and focus on plush, comfortable textures in your décor. Lay down rugs to soften bare floors, and if you have a fireplace, keep it running during an open house.

Adesso Hamptons Floor Lamp

A bright interior will help your home feel warm and welcoming even in the gloomier months. Make sure to replace any burned-out bulbs and think about adding lighting to especially dark areas. A table or floor lamp offers an easy way to brighten up a room. During the day, take advantage of natural light by keeping blinds and drapery open.

Other Things to Keep in Mind

Other considerations come with the colder months. For example, have your furnace serviced, and be sure to plan ahead if the home will be vacant (clear gutters, keep the heat running, shut off non-essential water).

Belham Living Richland Corner Hall Tree

Note that people touring the home will be wearing coats and possibly snow boots. Set up a drop zone for them to place shoes, coats and hats.

Finally, make sure to place door mats at each entrance. Put mats outside the front and back doors and any other entries. It’s also a good idea to place rugs inside those doors. This will give guests multiple chances to wipe their feet, helping to keep your floors clean. Plan to have some cleaning supplies on hand to quickly wipe up anything that does get tracked in.

Selling your home during the winter takes some extra effort, but the challenges don’t have to be overwhelming. With forethought and planning, you can present your home in the best light, helping it stand out in the market and appeal to potential buyers.

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