5 Tips For Selling This Winter

We all know that Central Oregon is known for the sunshine, the winters and the wonderful lifestyle so many want to enjoy.  Selling in the winter certainly brings some challenges that our Spring and Summer selling season does not.  Below is a list of things that every Central Oregon seller can do to make their home shine above the rest in the winter.

1. Keep Walkways Clear of Clutter and Snow – while we cannot always be home to make sure the daily dusting of snow off the walkway, but you you certainly not have items cluttering the walk way or snow and ice from the week.  When buyers approach your home and have to climb through the snow they think of the work it will take to keep the walk way clear – when it is already clear – you have taken this obstacle away.
2. Open the Blinds – Although Central Oregon does have the advantage of great sunlight through out the entire year even while snowing often a home can seem dark when the blind are closed.  Let the Sunshine in and make your home as light and bright as possible even on the darkest day an open blind will make a home brighter than a closed blind. Turn on the lights too, light makes people feel welcome.
3. Keep The Heat ON – although we all want to save energy it is said that keeping a home a steady temperature costs the same or less than cranking the heat up when you get home.  Remember you don’t have to keep the house at 75 degrees to have it feel warm, your buyer is coming in from the cold a 70 degree home feels very toasty and welcoming.
4. Mat on both sides of the door – This will not only help you keep your home cleaner – it will give the buyer the opportunity to not leave snow to melt on your floor.  If you are requesting a buyer take their shoes off – providing a place to do so is a great idea.  Winter shoes are not as easy to slide in and out of as those sandals of spring and summer were.
5. Holiday Decorations – there is nothing wrong with decorating your home for the holidays, we all love the holiday spirit, but keep them to a limit so the buyer can still see your home.  It always amazes me at how many buyers will fall in love with a home, then say, “wait we need to go back, where will we put the Christmas Tree?”

Selling your home in the winter is not as difficult as many people might make it out to be.  Just remember, your buyer needs to feel, welcome and not overwhelmed.  To list your home this winter – drop me a email or give me a call I would be happy to assist you.