Winter is in full swing here in the Chevy Chase area, and my clients often ask about whether it is even possible to sell a home this time of year. While I won’t mislead you and say it is sure to be easy, I will offer you these tips to make selling your home in the winter that much easier.
- Shovel, plow and salt as frequently as necessary. Nothing turns a potential home buyer away like an impassable driveway or sidewalk. Not only are these slippery and cold conditions dangerous, they also make potential buyers think about having to do this themselves. If your home has many steps, a steep incline or rough terrain near the entrance, someone who would otherwise be interested in your home may turn and walk away if faced with the reminder these chores would be their own.
- Keep it cozy. When showing your home in the Chevy Chase area during the winter months, you should never underestimate the power of warmth. Even though you may be tempted to turn the thermostat down to save money, the money saved may be the potential buyers rather than your own. When a potential buyer enters the home, if they are not warm — they are not tempted to stay. Keeping them warm and comfortable may be just the thing you need to offer to tip the scales in your favor.
- Brighten their spirits with natural light. One of the biggest complaints people have about the winter months is the dark, dreary feeling of sunshine-free days. Opening the window treatments to let as much natural light in as possible will do wonders for the appearance of your home. Have you ever heard anyone say “oh, I love this dark, depressing room. It feels just like a basement!” — the answer is probably no. Making your home as open and light as possible is essential for enticing potential buyers.
For more information on how best to prepare your home for a winter sale, give me a call. Or stay tuned for my next blog post, I’ll have more tips to share!
Stay warm!
~ Michelle