Tips for selling your home this winter

When selling in winter, it's essential to ensure your home looks its best and stands out, especially without the benefits of warmer weather and natural light. Here are several tips for selling your property this chilly season.

First things first, temperature

It seems so simple but the best advice for selling your home in winter is to remember that it’s cold outside. Prospective buyers want to escape the chill, so start by checking the temperature inside your property. Ensure your home is nice and warm to create a good first impression on buyers and instantly make them feel welcome. If you are lucky enough to have a wood-burning stove or fireplace, now is the time to put it to good use.

Remember, though, prospective buyers will be wearing coats, so don’t overdo it. You should aim for comfortably warm rather than insufferable heat.

Let there be light

Light is a major consideration for prospective buyers, and in winter, it's crucial to address the reduced sunlight due to the lower sun. With fewer sunrays, focus on the current lighting situation and ask yourself—is it bright enough? This is super important to ensure no areas appear gloomy, as this can deter buyers and affect the sale price.

To brighten a naturally dim home, use brighter light bulbs, add lamps, or use candles for a cosy atmosphere. These simple adjustments can significantly enhance the space.

Make buyers feel warm and fuzzy

Everyone enjoys feeling warm and cosy in winter, so ensure your home's interior gives off this vibe during the open house.  Achieve this by layering textures and fabrics that help retain heat.

You can even make your floors cosy by using plush rugs. Add extra cushions, blankets, and throws in wool or faux fur to living areas and bedrooms and consider using warm winter colours when it comes to staging your home. You’re aiming to draw in those prospective buyers so it’s important to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere, particularly during the colder months.

Homes with wood-burning stoves or fireplaces are perfect for this time of year. If you have one, be sure to light it and let it burn gently during your open inspections. It’s a surefire way to entice prospective buyers—after all, who doesn’t love the cosy crackle of a flame?

Don’t overlook the outside

Most real estate agents will tell you that buyers prefer homes with well-maintained outdoor areas and backyards, as these are significant selling points. While prospective buyers may not expect lush lawns and blooming gardens, well-kept outdoor spaces can still boost the sale price.

A little tip–get help from family or a gardener to clean up your backyard. Trim plants, mulch, and rake up leaves and debris to make everything look neat and tidy.

Check if any mould or dirt has taken hold in the shadier parts of your garden or paved outdoor spaces. If so, you may need specialist products and a pressure washer to remove them, so don’t leave this job to the last minute.

Maximise kerb appeal

During winter inspections, buyers will enter the home quickly to get out of the cold. They will then carefully inspect the exterior of the home.

Take a good look at the outside of your property; does it help buyers to get excited about what's inside? A deep clean of the exterior can work wonders here washing down dirty paint, dusting off cobwebs, and polishing windowpanes. Consider investing in professional house washing if you’re time-poor and you have the budget.

Pay particular attention to the front door area, this is the first area buyers will see, so it’s super important you ensure its spick and span. If your house looks tired, try adding new house numbers, plants, lights, or a doormat to freshen it up. A fresh coat of paint or stain can also go a long way to creating a strong and lasting first impression.

For more information on first impressions visit our blog The importance of kerb appeal.

Clean, declutter and deodorise

Like when selling at any time of year, it’s a no-brainer to clean and declutter your house. This maximises its appeal to potential buyers and helps them better envisage themselves living in the space.

It might be a cold and uninviting space at this time of year, but potential buyers will still want to check out the garage. Keep your home clean by storing bulky items off-site and tidying up any remaining items to reduce clutter.

And don’t forget about odours! Food, pets, and people all create odours that are all too easy to become accustomed to. Keep on top of odours by cleaning and airing your home more regularly than normal during your open for inspections.

Fragrances and candles are fine, but remember, less is more. Too many perfumed aromas and buyers may start thinking you’re hiding something.

Bring some greenery in

Even though most of the leaves have fallen, it's a great idea to add some greenery to your home for an open home. A vase of fresh flowers can make the space look and smell amazing and is a great tip for selling your home.

They will make the space look and smell amazing. You can add more succulents or plants to create a warmer, wintery vibe in your home. Just make sure they match the overall look you're going for.

The process of selling can feel daunting, but you don’t have to go it alone. Speak to your local Belle Property real estate agent today for expert guidance and advice for selling your home all year-round.

Read more about winter styling for your open for inspection in our blog here.