Winter Home Sales Guide: How to Ace Selling Your Property in Cold Weather

Written by Wena Roeloffze, REALTOR and Lifestyle Expert. Owner of Realty Club 74, brokered by Coldwell Banker Realty.

Selling Your Home in Winter: Expert Tips for Success

Winter might not seem like the most ideal season to sell a home, with cold weather and shorter days, but it presents unique opportunities for savvy sellers. Embrace the season with these tips to make your home stand out and attract potential buyers even in chilly conditions.

1. Maximize Curb Appeal

Despite the winter chill, curb appeal matters. Keep pathways clear of snow and ice, maintain a tidy yard, and consider adding seasonal touches like tasteful winter decorations or well-maintained outdoor lighting to enhance the home's appeal. Be careful not to add too many decorations that will make removal a struggle, like exterior decorating lights, or blow-up Santa’s. Keep it simple.

2. Embrace Coziness

Create a warm and inviting atmosphere inside. Keep the home comfortably heated, use soft lighting, and consider seasonal touches like throw blankets, rugs, and subtle, fragrant scents to evoke a cozy feeling that resonates with potential buyers. Don’t over-decorate with a theme, because potential buyers need to see that you are packing and not unpacking all your decorations from the attic or basement.

3. Highlight Winter-Ready Features

Accentuate features that shine in the winter. A fireplace, heated floors, insulated windows, or energy-efficient heating systems are assets worth showcasing during cold weather. Highlighting a kitchen and dining space to show how families get-together is also a wonderful feature to highlight. If you have special amenities like an indoor pool, indoor hot tub or sauna, indoor gym, hobby room or anything else that enhances winter indoor activities, display it.

4. Optimize Lighting

With shorter days, maximize natural light by opening curtains and blinds during daytime showings. In the evenings, ensure adequate indoor lighting to avoid looking dark and somber.

5. Maintenance Matters

Stay on top of maintenance tasks. Make sure the home is well-insulated, windows are sealed, and the HVAC system is in optimal condition. Address any potential issues, such as drafts or leaks, before listing the property. Be sure to fill out the seller condition report as detailed as possible and list all the items you are aware of. Full disclosure is a great sign to any potential buyer and will even make for a happy home inspection process. Clear and clean the space around the mechanicals, replace the filter and replace light bulbs where necessary.

6. Professional Photography

Capture the home's beauty even in winter. Hire a REALTOR who works with a professional photographer who can highlight the property's best features despite the season. Quality photos can make a significant difference in attracting potential buyers. In some ways, showcasing a home in winter, can be the best way for potential buyers to “see” what the house will be like in colder conditions. Videography and drone footage can all display a magical living space.

7. Showing Schedules and Preparation

Winter weather can be unpredictable. Make sure to have some flexibility in scheduling showings during winter times, to allow for an adjustment in times and days in the event of a snowfall. Fully prepare your home with rugs and older carpets for the entryway. Your REALTOR should supply you with booties as an extra protection over shoes/socks for buyers, and can also advise if carpets should be covered in plastic. Depending on the circumstances and home, a one-day open house might be a preferred over staggered individual showings.

8. Price Strategically

Research the market and consider pricing strategies that reflect the seasonal dynamics. While there might be fewer buyers, serious ones are often looking for a reason to buy in winter, so a competitive price can attract their attention.

9. Showcase Past Seasons

If possible, showcase your home's appearance during other seasons. Include photos or a virtual tour highlighting the property's beauty in spring, summer, or fall to help buyers visualize its year-round appeal.

Final Thoughts

Selling a home in winter comes with its challenges, but with strategic planning and the right approach, it can be a rewarding endeavor. Emphasize the cozy, warm aspects of your home, maintain it well, and present it in the best possible light to capture the attention of potential buyers looking for a place to call home, even during the colder months. We have extensive experience in showcasing homes in winter, and have the resources to prepare your home with small fixes with no upfront costs. Get in touch with us to hear how this process works, by filling in the form below.