04 Feb REAL ESTATE -Maximize Selling Potential During Winter
Some have said that winter is not the best time to sell Real Estate. There are definitely challenges, but don’t be discouraged. There are buyers out there looking for Real Estate and with fewer listings you have fewer competition. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykK4kfCBWmk
Here are a few simple tips to maximize the showing potential of your home during the winter months.
1. Don’t Let Winter be an Obstacle
It’s storming or just post-storm, but you have showings booked for your home. (You must have motivated buyers to go out in that weather!) Don’t make it even more of a chore for them, be sure to shovel your drive or walkway so that the first impression is a clean and accessible entry. This will make each potential buyer forget the discomfort of the weather the moment they pull into your drive way. It will only put buyers in a better state of mind to take in the surroundings and beauty of your home.
2. Consider Your Home’s Temperature
Buyers are usually viewing more than one home at a time, and so traveling around and running in and out of cars or up and down elevators in condos. Typically they will be dressed for the great outdoors, so although having the heat way up is great for lounging on the couch, it can be oppressive for visiting buyers. Be sure to monitor the temperature of the entire house and set it appropriately.
3. Get Buyers Out of the Dark and Into the Light
The winter months also mean shorter days and less natural light. Be sure to have adequate lighting in every room, as well as exterior lighting to show off your home from the road, this will also keep people safe when walking to your door. Dark rooms are depressing when coming in from the cold. Keep it bright in the winter. This allows you to set the mood lighting, and saves the buyers fumbling for light switches. Remember first impressions. Is your home a sanctuary or an oasis from the cold?
4. Preparation is Key
Be prepared for those wet and snowy shoes and boots. No one enjoys having wet socks and dodging puddles in the doorway. Be sure to have a “Shoes Off” sign. Place an absorbent mat protecting your stone or wood flooring. Be sure to have a shoe tray or appropriate storage area for shoes, not only to avoid the puddles but to show off the organization of your home. Apply this also to winter jackets, hats and scarves. Show functioning and organization by thoughtfully arranged set ups, don’t just have outerwear exploding out of closets.
Danielle Lunetta offers FREE pre-listing consultations for all Sellers. Watch the Youtube video below to find out more about what Danielle Lunetta offers to her clients.