Top tips for selling a home in winter

Make sure there is lighting, not only at the door, but also leading up to it. In the winter evenings and early mornings, a dark pathway can be very off-putting.

Are you trying to sell your home this winter? It’s not the easiest time of year, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. So what should you do if you’re thinking of going ahead with a winter sale?

During the colder and shorter winter days people might be more hesitant to view lots of properties. So, first impressions online, including great photography, couldn’t be more important.

First it’s essential to ensure your property is priced sensibly. If you’re asking way over market value then don’t expect interest to be high – at least not initially. If you’re asking for too much money, buyers will simply walk away and you’ll have to drop your price.

Next, now it’s time to make sure everything is ready for the viewings. Set some time aside to go through your home in detail and take notes on what needs to be addressed before the first viewing. You may also find it helpful to make a checklist to tick off before each viewing so that you give your property the best chance of impressing.

The best thing you can do is make sure your home stands out from crowd. Sadly, a new coat of paint isn’t going to cut it anymore – not with all those other houses on the market. You need something more creative than that.

TIPS FOR MAXIMISING THE CHANCES OF SELLING YOUR HOME THIS WINTER

GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION

Creating kerb appeal isn’t just about adding value to your home. It’s about creating a great first impression for any prospective buyers. To ensure that your home looks approachable and welcoming, think about the exterior.

Make sure all your lights are working and that there isn’t any clutter outside. You should try to keep the front garden well maintained at all times but this is even more important if you’re planning on selling your home quickly this winter. Check your flowerbeds and remove any dead or dwindling shrubs to show that your garden is well cared for.

OUTDOOR LIGHTING

You are bound to have viewings after dark so outdoor lighting is as important for safety as it is for aesthetics. Check your external lights work and are switched on if viewings are visiting in the evenings.

Make sure there is lighting, not only at the door, but also leading up to it. In the winter evenings and early mornings, a dark pathway can be very off-putting. Other than the practicalities of lighting, decorative outdoor lighting will provide a warm and friendly ambience to your garden after dark and creates a real sense of homeliness.

DE-CLUTTER AND DE-PERSONALISE

A cluttered home can give the illusion of less space. When someone is looking to purchase a home, they try to envisage themselves living there. Tackle the rooms that host the most clutter first.

Continue focusing on individual rooms until you make it through them all. Floors, worktops, tables and islands should be kept clear. Although it is tempting to have lots of family photos or personal possessions on display, remember you are selling an asset, not a story.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT

DIY jobs come at a cost, so making sure you’re spending your money in the right areas is crucial. Spruce up your kitchen and paint your walls using neutral colours like whites and greys and keep the bolder tones for feature walls if you want to create them.

Should you change your front door? First impressions definitely count with buyers and this is the first thing they’ll see. Consider replacing any cracked or broken tiles and refreshing grouting that has become stained or discoloured. Look at lighting, which will affect the ambience of your home.

HIGHLIGHTING THE BEST FEATURES

Making your home feel welcoming and cosy doesn’t require a huge overhaul. Instead, it’s about highlighting your home’s best features while maintaining the clean aesthetic you love. Modern homes and spaces will often feature clean lines, but this doesn’t do much for the charm or character. It’s important that your property feels homely to potential buyers.

Create warmth through lighting, add life with plants and flowers and warm up to your space with rugs and textiles. Add texture and cosy up with curtains. Hang artwork and mirrors and don’t forget to add an inviting aroma when stepping in from the cold with the comforting and spicy scent of winter fragrance.

Don’t forget, our professional friendly advisors are on hand to support you and can help you explore all of your options.