The winter months have a reputation for being a bad time of year to sell a home. According to the National Association of Realtors, winter home sales in the Midwest account for only 60% of home sales in the peak season. The reason for this is multi-faceted. Alongside holiday distractions, curb appeal challenges and bad weather, most people hold off on their home search until spring. However, selling your home in the winter can be a good move if you have the right strategies in place. In fact, home buyers in the winter may be more motivated than during other times of the year. And, because there generally are fewer homes for sale during the holidays, you’ll have less competition.
With that in mind, here are a few tips and tricks for attracting motivated home buyers in the chilly months.
Make Good Use of Professional Photography.
With the continued popularity of virtual home tours, professional photography is always the best option for your home listing. But when it comes to selling your home in the winter, professional photos can give you an edge that helps you beat out both the competition and the dreary winter atmosphere.
A skilled professional photographer can highlight the best of your home during the winter months. Make sure that your winter maintenance is up-to-date and that your sidewalks, porch, and driveway are cleared of snow. If you know well ahead of time that you’re going to be selling your home in the winter, you can even hire a photographer to take photos during summer or autumn to help buyers visualize your home at all times of the year.
Decorate Your Home. But Keep it Classy.
Selling your home in the winter may leave you wondering about decorating for the holidays. While many might think it’s a bad idea, in reality, decorating your home for the holidays can enhance the curb appeal and create an inviting feel. However, the same rules that apply to interior staging apply here: keep things neutral. Simple white lights and a wreath on your front door can help create a warm, homey ambiance. But decorations that are too specific to a single holiday or religious denomination may turn some buyers away. Remember, your buyers should be able to envision themselves in the space.
Be Flexible With Showings and Open Houses.
It’s always important to be flexible with your showings, but it’s especially important during the winter months. When the holidays are in full swing, people often have social engagements and travel plans that limit their ability to house hunt. Make sure that you and your real estate agent are as flexible as possible when trying to schedule showings.
Take Advantage of the Season.
While offering flexible scheduling options for showings, you can also take advantage of the winter season. Scheduling open houses over the weekends when out-of-town travelers might be able to attend can help you attract a wider range of potential buyers who are looking for a home in your area.
The winter season is also full of festivals, town parties, and holiday markets. If you’re selling your home in the winter, you and your real estate agent could talk about the possibility of getting a table or passing out fliers.
Consider Offering Incentives.
Another great way to attract motivated buyers during the winter months is to offer incentives. Offering home buyers assistance with closing costs, home warranties, or other perks might present buyers with an opportunity that is too good to pass up. Other possible incentives include flexible closing dates, updated appliances, and covering the cost of a professional home inspection.
Work with an Experienced Real Estate Agent.
Finally, working with an experienced real estate agent is one of the decisions you can make when selling your home in the winter. Real estate agents who are familiar with your area will know what to expect from the market during the winter months and how to help you navigate the seasonal challenges.
Are You Selling Your Home in the Winter? Turn to CENTURY 21 Bolte Real Estate.
At CENTURY 21 Bolte Real Estate, we’ve proudly served home buyers and sellers in the Northcentral Ohio area for almost 90 years. We have deep roots in the communities we serve and we’re dedicated to helping people meet their real estate goals, no matter what time of year it is.
If you’re looking to sell your home in the winter, or if you’re a winter-season home buyer, contact us today and let us know how we can help you.
