Selling in the winter has its perks and downsides, but one thing is for certain: there are ways you can make the process easier for yourself and buyers, helping your home stand out from the others on the market and allowing you to walk away satisfied with the final deal.
Emphasize the Right Areas
Key features will differ in the winter. For example, you wouldn’t want to spend too much time highlighting an in-ground pool, because people who’ve just come out of a snowstorm while house hunting aren’t going to be thinking too much about taking a dip on a hot summer day.
A fireplace, energy-efficient windows, and a modern heating system are all great ways to take advantage of and highlight key features that make winter living better. Other areas you could hype up in your home during the winter include heated floors, a four-season sunroom or garage, or areas that let in a ton of natural light by keeping blinds and curtains open.
Create a Warm Ambience
When potential buyers come in from the cold, they want to step into a warm atmosphere. While that means setting the heat temperature to something that’ll make them feel cozy almost immediately, it also means taking advantage of warm-toned lighting, or even candles.
They don’t have to be scented, but having a “winter getaway” feel will transport potential buyers into feelings of comfort, and when they already feel at home before the tour, that puts you at an advantage.
Take Advantage of Seasonal Décor
While you want to avoid decorating for specific holidays, which can be too specific and potentially drive off some buyers, non-denominational winter décor will create a livable aesthetic that buyers can relate to when picturing whether your home is one where they fit.
Aside from soft lighting, you can also add cozy textiles, like textured throw pillows and plush throw blankets, winter greenery, and other neutral pieces. This also gives you the chance to remove all personal items and replace them with décor pieces that don’t draw too much attention away from their ability to imagine themselves living there.
Don’t forget the first impression
Curb appeal, and the first steps potential buyers take into your home, are vital. To ensure they are interested right off the bat, you’ll want to create a welcoming environment out front and in your foyer/entryway.
When it comes to the outdoors, adding warm lighting in pathways, at the front door, and through the windows creates a vision of an inviting home. It also helps people see, and when it gets dark before dinner, that’s vital.
For the entryway, keep it clean and free of boots, coats, and other debris that could make it feel overwhelming to step into.
Address Weather-Related Issues
Snow can be a major issue in the winter, especially in Ottawa, so if you’re going to be showing your home to many potential buyers, you want to stay on top of things. Ensure that all walkways and driveways are cleared of snow, tidy up the yard of any fall weather remnants left behind, and use the snow to your advantage. When done correctly, a warm home on a snowy backdrop can feel like the home of their dreams.
You’ll also want to ensure that the gutters are free of debris as well, because while that’s not always easily seen, it can lead to issues that inspectors spot before the sale goes through, and if damage is left unchecked, potentially buyers may start to think all that hard work you did with staging and getting things ready equals a too-good-to-be-true situation, rather than their new home.
Be Flexible
Last but not least, it’s vital to be flexible with showings. The days are shorter, colder, and offer a higher level of difficulty for buyers when it comes to getting around, so give people a bit of a break and allow them to work on their schedule for show times where possible. If you accommodate them, their experience with your property will start out positive, and hopefully, remain that way all the way through.
Preparing your home for an Ottawa sale isn’t always easy, but it’s well worth it for sellers who want to attract the right buyers.