It’s normally much more difficult to sell a house during the colder months because many people find it discouraging and unpleasant to be going on viewings in winter as well as the property itself is not being presented in its best form due to the cold, dark and often wet days. Even though it generally is a quieter time for the property market, there are still ways to boost your house salepotential and speed up the process.
Here at House Sales Direct, we have gathered some of the most helpful tips from our in-house property experts on ways to increase your chances of selling your property during the winter months despite all the obstacles and challenges that this season poses.
Tip 1: Ensure Good Lighting
Since the days are darker and the amount of natural light is reduced during the day, it’s essential that you provide enough artificial lighting to accentuate the features of your home better. What’s more, since you are likely to have less viewings, you would want to present your house in the best possible way to the few that come.
What’s important to think about is the shade of the lighting, whether it is cooler or warmer colours that suit your décor, the decision can play a vital role in the overall look and feel of the house. Incorporating additional lighting fixtures such as lamps in darker corners of the rooms will brighten up the whole place.
Tip 2: Keep It Cosy
Styling your house for the season is essential and winter is not the worst season when it comes to decorations. There are plenty of things you could use to make your home look cosy and modern. Think of soft furnishings like cushions and throws that will transform your boring sofas, any Christmas or Halloween decorations are also welcome as they contribute to creating an ambient atmosphere. Small details have the ability to make people feel comfortable and help them envision their lives in your house, which is further contributing to a seamless viewing experience.
Tip 3: Don’t Forget About the Garden
First impressions still count even in wintertime and if possible, they do even more. When someone comes to view your property in winter, they may be prepared to witness a few more issues in comparison to summer and spring months as well as see the property in its true colours which may not always be as attractive. That is why if you manage to surprise and exceed the expectations of the viewers, there is a good chance for you to boost your selling potential. That is why tidying up the garden and front yard is vital in order to make a good first impression. You could even decorate accordingly with the help of some fairy lights and Christmas décor which can transform your garden into a winter wonderland. Showing that the outdoor area of your house can also be used and utilised even during the colder months will certainly increase your chances of securing a buyer.
Tip 4: Get Maintenance Tasks Done
Since the competition during winter is lower, you’re got a higher potential of selling your house given your house doesn’t have any major issues which may scare buyers away. Sometimes little upgrades and maintenance work on the property can go a long way so make sure you are prepared for your viewers. Have you got any loose door handles or cabinet knobs that are annoying you? They might annoy a potential buyer as well. How about that squeaky door you never got to fix? The thing is that these seemingly small inconveniences to you may be a bigger issue for potential buyers as it is one more thing to do in addition to the whole moving house process. That is why making sure that all of these little maintenance tasks are dealt with prior to any viewing could help you more than you may think.
Tip 5: Don’t Overdo the Scents
Bringing pleasant aromas into your home for viewings is often recommended by many estate agents but it may not always be in your favour. There are people who don’t like strong scents and it can be off-putting for them so it’s essential that you don’t overdo them. We would suggest going with soft and more natural aromas like the ones most candle companies call ‘fresh home’ or ‘clean sheets’. They tend to create a very natural setting without being too overpowering. Alternatively, you could bake something which smells nice and delicious, and that everyone likes.
These are some of the most common and important tips to begin thinking about when listing your property on the market during wintertime. Even though the festive season can be rather slow in terms of potential buyers, there are still ways to achieve your house sale and we believe that if you follow these recommendations, you will be on the right track.
This article was written by an online estate agent House Sales Direct. If you wish to sell house fast and for free, then head over to the House Sales Direct website for more property related information and enquiries.