There can be a few challenges when selling during the Autumn and Winter period, as opposed to the Spring and Summer months.
However, with a few special touches and a little bit of planning, you can make the most of the Winter months and ensure your home is market ready. Here are some of our top tips to sell your home in the winter market.
Clear out the gutters
There are many things we love about Autumn, such as pumpkin spiced lattes, crackling fires and cosy jumpers. However, one thing we are not overly excited about is our gutters being blocked with leaves. It only takes seconds for a potential buyer to make their first impression when viewing a property and overflowing gutters may suggest the property needs work carrying out, before they’ve even set foot inside. A local tradesman can help keep your gutters and downpipes clear and free-flowing, even in the worst of the winter months.
Keep it cosy
You want to provide each viewer with the warmest welcome and not just metaphorically. Ensure the heating is on so when they walk in from the cold, they feel toasty.
Keep it bright
With winter comes dark evenings. If your home is being viewed later in the day, the last impression you want to give your viewer is that your home is dark and uninviting. We suggest testing all the lights, making sure there are no dull or missing bulbs, especially in outside lights. You could even take it that one step further and introduce a few lamps in strategic areas you know may be a little darker than others, or to highlight special features.
Clean your windows
Don’t wait for the spring clean. Many people are under the impression that windows get dirtier through the summer months, but it is in fact the opposite. With the constant rainfall, snow and fallen leaves, your windows can quickly become dirty through the winter months. To provide viewers with the best first impression it is crucial that the windows, window sills and doors are cleaned regularly to avoid a buildup of dirt and grime. This can help your home stand out from other properties which may not have received the same level of care and attention.
Declutter the inside
There’s a fine line between a property looking lived in and cluttered; a problem many of us struggle with on occasions. The aim is for each viewer to walk in and imagine themselves living there. It’s best to store away any knick-knacks and personal photographs, clear away coats and shoes from the hallway, hide all bathroom products away in a cupboard and keep kitchen work-surfaces clear. Create as much clear floor space as possible, as this can really show off every room’s potential space.
Don’t neglect the garden
It may be cold outside and the last thing you want to do is spend time gardening. However, we suggest you invest in some lovely winter plants, turn on any floodlights or position a few solar lights to showcase the garden on those dark winter nights. Shake out the mats, clear up any fallen leaves and store away summer furniture. Adding some hanging baskets or troughs with winter flowering plants can make a great impression and are easily sourced from local garden centres. A winter garden which is neat, tidy and has a splash of colour can still make a big impact. Who say’s beautiful gardens are just for the summer?
In need of some help? Find your local recommended tradesmen at Check A Trade.
If you would like to arrange a valuation and gather more tips on selling your home this winter, speak to one of our experts TODAY.