This unique article was contributed to the Boston Real Estate Observer by Pavel Khaykin. Pavel is a licensed Massachusetts real estate expert, specializing in creating custom property solutions for home sellers facing different types of situations.
It is true that most homes are sold in the spring and summer months, but that doesn’t mean you can’t successfully sell your property during winter, even a Massachusetts winter!
One season is not necessarily better than the other. Each has its own unique set of challenges. You may be forced to move during the offseason for reasons such as a new job or other life circumstances.
Regardless of the situation, here are 7 tips for selling your home faster during winter:
1. Decorate According to the Season
Make the house feel warm, cozy, and inviting. A home is a place to rest and unwind from the day. Fortunately, it can be easier to create this relaxing environment during the winter months. You can decorate the house with blankets, pillows, rugs, and other accessories to set a calming tone. If the home has a fireplace, try to have it going during showings. Not only will this warm a cold house, it will also make the space more attractive to buyers.
If you are selling your house around the holidays, don’t be afraid to put up decorations for this as well. Keep it simple and try not to go overboard. You may also want to refrain from religious decorations as this can deter buyers. Small touches of decoration can go a long way when it comes to selling a home.
2. Fix Any Drafts
Windows and doors with drafts will be especially noticeable during winter with the cold wind blowing outside. When you are preparing the house, check windows and doors for noticeable gaps or cracks. Be sure to have these fixed before a showing. Even though it is a minor repair to you, but it could suggest further imperfections to an interested buyer.
3. Emphasize Lighting
Winter days are typically shorter, and sometimes gloomier, than the average summer day. You want to make sure your home is well lit for buyers. For a showing during the day, open the blinds and draw back curtains to let in as much natural light as possible. If you have a showing at night, turn on all lights and lamps. It would also help to light some candles. Don’t forget to turn on the lights outside as well!
4. Don’t Forget Landscaping
It can be easy to neglect the front yard with colder weather. Curb appeal is very important, no matter the season. Be sure to have the driveway and walkways shoveled and salted, if needed, to prevent someone from falling. The landscaping still needs to look clean and trimmed. You should also consider decorating the front porch to add a pop of color.
5. Focus on Online Marketing
During the winter, people are more likely to be searching for homes on the internet rather than driving through neighborhoods. You want to make sure you are taking advantage of every opportunity to present your house for sale online. Have high-quality pictures made and engage with anyone showing interest.
6. Post Pictures of the House in Summer
If you have recent pictures of your house during warmer months, don’t forget to include those in the listing. It can be tempting to concentrate only on making the house look good during winter. However, you want buyers to picture themselves living in your house year-round.
7. Make Your House Stand Out
With fewer properties on the market, you can make your house stand out. Most buyers are more serious about purchasing a home during this season. This can be very advantageous because anyone interested can receive more personalized attention. Be sure to highlight important details of your house that makes it unique and desirable.
With fewer buyers, it might take more time for the house to sell. You will need to be patient and not lose hope if it doesn’t sell as soon as you expected it to. If you are looking to sell the house quickly, or don’t want to want to go through the process of putting it on the market, consider selling it to a professional home buyer. This is an option that will help you avoid repairs, showings, and all of the paperwork involved with using a real estate agent.
If you are selling your house in winter, don’t be worried about the connotation this season has about the real estate market. You may need to shift your focus in other directions, but that doesn’t mean you can’t successfully sell your house for a great price. By emphasizing the key features of your property and strategically preparing it for buyers, you can make the home selling process a positive experience and lucrative decision.
Keith Munsell 
