Winter selling tips

As we approach winter, property watchers will be aware that this season is not generally considered an ideal time to put property on the market.

However, there are a number of reasons why someone might need to sell at this time of year. Likewise, buyers do remain active throughout this season. Winter certainly tends to be quieter, but savvy vendors, with the help of a knowledgeable agent, can make this work to their advantage.

If you are preparing to put your home on the market this winter, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Evoke a cosy atmosphere

One of the reasons that spring has traditionally been a popular time to sell is that the pleasant weather and blooming gardens flatter many homes. Presenting a property as warm and inviting is especially important when the sky is grey and the weather cold.

Aim to make your home an escape from the winter chill by ensuring it is well lit with warm, glowing light. Where you can, try to schedule daytime inspections to take advantage of maximum sunlight. Likewise, heating is vital. Make sure the temperature throughout the house is inviting during inspections, and fix any doors or windows that allow the cold to seep in.

In addition, the right decor is important; warm colours and textures and small touches like a throw rug on the couch create the right atmosphere. And if you’re lucky enough to have a working fireplace, use it to your advantage!

Create the right atmosphere with warm colours, textures and small touches like a throw rug on the couch.

Have a back-up plan

Keep in mind that during winter bad weather may interfere with open-for-inspections and auctions. If possible, try to be flexible with open times – speak to your agent about scheduling extra inspections or arranging private inspections.

Likewise, have a contingency plan ready for auction day. When it is raining or very cold, holding an auction outside on the street is out of the question. In such a case, prepare to hold it in the garage or even the living room.

Holding an auction in close quarters like this is a very different experience – competing buyers really get to eyeball each other, which can generate both excitement and nerves. Make sure you have an auctioneer equipped to handle situation.

Stand out from the crowd

The big advantage to selling in winter – which many people overlook – is that there’s less competition for both sellers and buyers.

For sellers, there are fewer properties on the market to compete with. While the buyer pool may be slightly smaller, those who are searching for property at this time of year tend to be serious contenders.

This will be especially true in winter 2018 – coming off a strong summer market means that many buyers who have missed out will still be hunting for their dream home or next investment during this period. Take advantage of this with impeccable presentation and a strategic marketing campaign.

During winter, many buyers who have missed out will still be hunting for their dream home or next investment.

Some final advice on presentation

Pay attention to the facade of your home – rain really helps grime stand out on windows, while wind makes a mess of the entryway and garden.

Before each inspection, wipe down the windows and clear the path or front step of any debris. If the property has a garden, it’s important to rake up any dead leaves before each inspection. Apartment owners have an advantage here when it comes to selling in winter, since a garden’s unlikely to be a selling point.

Ensure the entry to the property is well lit on overcast days. Investing in a decent mat for inside the front door will give people somewhere to wipe their shoes before walking through the home.

For savvy vendors who play their cards right, winter can be a fantastic time to sell property.

To find out more about selling your home in winter, reach out to the team at Nelson Alexander today or drop into one of our offices for a chat.