There is a lot of advice and viewpoints regarding purchasing and selling your home in the winter. These preconceptions may be appealing but don’t reflect actual-world experience. The conventional notion that selling your home in the winter is a poor idea has several flaws. There are several advantages to selling your home in the winter that you could be missing out on.
Although selling your home in the winter might not be as comfortable or convenient, it is still doable, and some may say it’s the best time to sell.
In The Winter, Buyers Are Serious and Motivated
Buyers that are only looking around and not yet sure of what they want rarely visit open houses during winter because there aren’t as many. By contrast, individuals already interested in purchasing a home are still willing to attend these events even when it’s cold outside.
People looking to buy a house during winter are typically more dedicated, enthusiastic, and prepared than at other times. Often, this is because they have no choice–maybe their current living situation changed abruptly, or maybe they had to move due to job changes. No matter the reason, these prospects usually mean business and need to find a new home as soon as possible.
January Is The Month for Job Relocations For Many
The new year not only marks a change in the calendar, but for many people, it’s also a time to find a new job. Companies usually make their personnel changes and relocations at the beginning of the year, bringing an influx of motivated homebuyers looking to settle quickly.
Most people want to move just once and be done with it, preferably in the spring, so their kids can start school on time. These buyers are fantastic as they’re motivated to get back on track with their lives. On top of that, many relocation benefits or employer assistance make negotiations much simpler.
Some Houses Look Better in the Winter
There’s something about certain homes that make them feel warm and cozy, whether it’s the style of decorating, the time of year, or the architecture. These houses inspire buyers more during the winter when they’re looking for a place to escape the cold. The big fireplaces are especially inviting, making buyers imagine themselves sitting in front of them on a chilly night. This sort of inspiration isn’t as common during the summer months.
Embracing the winter doesn’t just mean enjoying hot chocolate by the fireplace. It also means making sure your sidewalks and driveway are clear of snow and ice so potential homebuyers don’t get a cold reality check when they see them for the first time.
You Will Get Closer to Your Asking Price
The winter season is the best time to sell your home in most cases. Even if you haven’t priced your property correctly, selling your home in the winter might result in a higher offer. The reality is that there is less stock and fewer alternatives for purchasers during the winter months. Winter buyers will be less inclined to negotiate the price down if your property is priced reasonably and presents well.
Since fewer houses are on the market in winter, buyers feel they have to snatch up a good deal when they see it. They don’t want to risk losing out on a fair-priced home. However, during the summer months, when more properties are available, buyers are less willing to negotiate because they know they have other options.
Less Competition When Selling Your Home In The Winter
Because more homeowners wait to list their homes until the spring, fewer properties are available during winter. This can work to your advantage as a buyer because you’ll have less competition when making an offer on a home. Whereas in the prime selling season, potential buyers may have 30 or more houses to pick from, now they only have a handful.
However, in the winter months, they might only have 5 alternatives. Fewer alternatives imply less competition. In fact, during the fall to winter shift, the inventory of homes drops by almost 20% in certain areas. It increases your chances of selling your home in the winter (and again, you’re more likely to get that price you want for your house).
You’ll Be Your Real Estate Agent’s Top Priority
Your real estate agent is probably busier in the summer, so getting an appointment or feeling like your home is receiving enough attention might be tougher. Winter generally has less traffic.
The winter is typically a slower season for real estate agents, so they will be more likely to want to sell your home during this time. Once the spring market arrives, they will have more clients, and you may not be their top priority. However, if you list your home in the winter, you are more likely to get attention from the agent and have them showcase your home in the best light possible.
Your Neighborhood Looks Better During The Winter
Christmas lights and decorations make a community appear friendlier and more inviting, adding to the season’s excitement. You don’t see this advantage during the summer or spring because it’s too hot outside.
Tips For Selling Your Home In The Winter
How can you make the most of these winter advantages? We’ve got you covered!
- A place for shoes.
You want potential house buyers to feel comfortable walking in without worrying about taking their shoes off. Place an area rug or mat by the door to easily wipe their feet before entering. Disposable booties are near the door, and if you have extra space, put a bench or chair there too so visitors can sit while changing into Booties.
- Make your home warm and inviting.
The majority of the winter is cold and dull. Making your house attractive, warm, and friendly is the greatest way to show off. Use technology like a smart thermostat to regulate your heating system, and make sure that your home’s temperature is set to an ideal setting so that potential buyers will warm up as soon as they step inside.
After the showing, you can remotely reduce the temperature to save money. You should also ensure that it isn’t too hot. Too much heat feels suffocating and unpleasant. Keep in mind that buyers are likely already clothed for the outdoors. Just keep the inside comfortable at 65 degrees Fahrenheit; this is a good place to start. In your marketing material, you may highlight your home’s energy efficiency rather than turning up the heat.
- Turn on the fireplace.
If you have “throw blankets” or pillows, put them on display. This will make your home look inviting when people come in from the cold outdoors.
- Sniff-out odours.
Winter is a great time to sell your home, but remember that potential buyers also look for a clean and unobstructed house. This means regular cleaning and vacuuming to eliminate any lingering smells from cooking or pets. You can still use candles or air fresheners, but beware of using too much – you don’t want the house to smell like you’re trying to mask something.
- Play up the natural light.
Winter is here, and it’s dark outside. There are fewer daylight hours available. So, what do you do? To obtain the best possible light, schedule your viewings and showings carefully. Don’t put anything off until 4 p.m. When the sun sets at 4:30 p.m., it’s too late to do anything about it. You may also improve the illumination in your home by replacing your existing bulbs with brighter ones. Another idea? Before showing homes, wash your windows to increase natural lighting inside. It can make your house more appealing to potential purchasers by increasing the natural light that enters them!
- Curb appeal
Although it’s chilly outside, making sure your home looks its best is crucial. After all, buyers will look at your house’s front first. A new coat of paint or a fresh stain can make an impression and Excite buyers about what they’ll see when they walk in. Also, don’t forget small details like updating your address numbers, adding some outdoor lighting fixtures or a new doormat to spruce up the porch area!
- Snow removal is important.
Once the fresh snow is driven or walked on, it gets difficult to keep it clear, so stay ahead of the snow. And don’t forget – if someone coming to view your house slips on the way in, that’s likely all they will remember from your home. Ensure the driveway stays clear of snow and ice, and leave a spot by the door for visitors to take off their winter boots ( rubber mats work great for this ).
- Don’t forget the garage:
After decluttering their homes, many sellers store their belongings in the garage since it’s easier than taking everything to off-site storage–especially during colder winter months. However, potential homebuyers will often snoop around in the garage as well. If it looks like there’s no room for a car because of how cluttered it is, this could reflect badly on the seller and lower the final selling price.
- The front yard?
It might sound bizarre, but it does matter. In most regions, there won’t be any green grass this year; however, there won’t be snowfall. This typically leaves you with an unsightly front yard that is yellowish-brown in coloration. Do your best to clean it up by trimming back bushes, edging the lawn, and raking out dead leaves and other debris. Homebuyers don’t anticipate having a luscious green lawn; rather, they hope for something that looks neat and well cared for.
- Clean, Clean, Clean!
During the winter, you should clean up and personalize your property since it’s cold doesn’t imply you shouldn’t get rid of clutter and de-personalize your house. There’s nothing worse than a dirty home. And putting away your personal belongings allows the potential buyer to consider themselves living in the space.
So, go ahead and sell your house during the winter! You have nothing to lose. And it might improve your chances of selling your home in the winter. Yes, there are fewer potential buyers, but you’ll be in a less competitive real estate market in Chilliwack and should come across more serious potential purchasers.
Housing inventory levels should also be at seasonal lows, which can only assist with sales. So why not? It could be the ideal moment to sell your home in the winter, so contact one of our Chilliwack real estate agents for assistance.