The decline in seller premiums typically begins in September and the question of whether houses sell in Autumn and Winter is often asked. In short, it all depends on where you live, the real estate market in your area, and the condition of the house you are selling.
Fall and Winter Curb Appeal
The fall foliage might be beautiful, but it can actually make or break curb appeal. One buyer might look at the stunning trees and fall in love with their beauty, while another might look up and see the yardwork that will need to be done every fall. In addition, families want to buy their next home before school starts, and before their schedules become more chaotic.
In addition to leaves, as the weather gets colder and the snow begins to fall, it of course looks beautiful, but it hides a home’s outdoor appeal - ie: pool and patio. The winter weather can also make it difficult to schedule viewings with buyers who live out of town.
On the flip side, if your home is energy efficient, buyers seeing the house during the cold months could work in your favour to highlight some of your home’s big selling points. A winterized home that already has desirable energy efficient features will certainly make a good impression on potential homebuyers. Some energy efficient features include smart thermostats, solar panels, new windows, attic insulation, and a tankless water heater.
Tips for Selling Your Home During Colder Months
Reserve the Weekend for Showing - Homes show better during the day, but as the days get shorter, the work week gets in the way for many buyers. Show your home over the weekend during the day, this can ensure a good number of attendees.
Display a Smaller Tree - Opt for a smaller Christmas tree and decorate with 'less is more' in mind. Being festive while not taking over the room is great. Also be sure to store wrapped presents out of sight.
Don't Go Overboard With Decorations - If you’re selling during the holidays, it’s critical to clear out and store away all household clutter and personal items. Once all the extras are stored away, you can accent with a few tasteful and carefully placed decorations.
Landscapes - Bare trees and snow-covered grounds shouldn't keep you from having an appealing landscape. Blow away visible dead leaves, remove dead vegetation, and add seasonal pops of color around the yard and front door, such as wreaths, holly, or evergreen topiaries.
Keep Walkways and Porches Clear - All paths, patios, and decks around the home and any outbuildings should be salted and shoveled. If possible, keep outdoor furniture set up and clear from snow, so potential buyers can envision how they could use the space.
Create an Inviting Space - During the cold winter months, the best way to show off your home is by making it cozy, warm, and welcoming. Plump pillows in cream and gold and soft earthy coloured throws coupled with red and woodsy greens accents provide seasonal touches that draw directly from nature. This kind of decorating is easy on the eye and attractive to any buyer.
Your Listing Photos - Homes look better in spring and summer when they're surrounded by greenery. This puts winter listings at a disadvantage, so include some photos of your property at other times of year, if possible.
For expert real estate advice on how best to sell your home, in the spring, summer, fall or winter, contact a REALTOR® today.
Looking for an experienced REALTOR ® that specializes in real estate across Windsor and Essex County? At Royal LePage Binder Real Estate, we are focused on helping you unlock your future.
