Winter selling tips

We may be head first in winter right now, but that doesn’t mean we need to surrender our hopes of a successful property sale.

While many of us may prefer to hibernate this time of the year, selling your property in winter ahead of the peak spring selling season can be beneficial with lower stock levels and more genuine buyers on the hunt for the right home.

Here are some tips about what to expect in a winter market and how to best prepare your home for sale:

Fewer listings can mean more competition
One of the benefits of listing your home for sale in winter is lower stock levels. Many sellers shelve their plans to transact real estate in winter so the market can be slower. But listing your home when the weather is cooler and when there are not as many properties for sale can result in elevated interest in your home from motivated buyers. Timing it right might be a good recipe for success when it comes to selling your property.

Let there be light
No one wants a dark, drab property to call home. Winter can be gloomy at the best of times so if you’re looking at a winter sale, it’s important to maximise the light and warmth in your home. Open your curtains and blinds, and use lamps to create a warm, welcoming ambience.

Create a cosy appeal
Creating a cosy feel will help buyers to picture themselves in your home. Using soft furnishings like cushions and throws will help cosy up your home from an interior design perspective – and there is nothing more inviting than an open fireplace (whether it’s wood, gas or electric) to create a welcoming vibe. If your budget allows, consider enlisting the help of a professional staging company to minimise household clutter and help your home look its best.

Don’t forget kerb appeal
First impressions still matter in winter, so make time to ensure your gardens are looking their best. Keeping on top of the annual infestation of winter weeds will take considerable effort so give yourself enough time to get all the hard work done in between storms and rain. It will pay dividends in the long run.