Take a look at our TOP TIPS for selling your home in winter!
Are you feeling positive about 2023 and planning a move? The weather may be cold and damp, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great time to sell! You just need to ensure that your property is warm and welcoming for potential buyers. In fact, winter is the perfect time of year to show off how cosy your home can be when it’s dreary outside.
It’s a good idea to start by presenting your house in the best possible way for valuations and those all-important professional photographs (at Brambles we always use a highly skilled professional photographer).
Take a look at our tips for a speedy and successful sale!
Those all-important first impressions – You only have once chance to wow your viewers as they arrive at your property. Now is the time to clear away leaves, give the drive a jet wash to get rid of any slippery patches, tidy the front garden and refresh your potted plants to add some winter colour. Take a few minutes to wipe down windowsills and the doorstep to create a good first impression. It’s important to take the time to remove outdoor shoes from the hallway and hide away that clutter. Don’t worry, we all have it!
Turn up the heat – We’d suggest leaving your heating on low to make your home welcoming and cosy on viewings. This is especially important if your house is unoccupied. If you have them, light the wood burner or open fire. There’s nothing more appealing than the warmth and feel of an open fire.
Make your home cosy – If your sofa is a little tired, a well-coordinated throw can brighten up the room, and some fresh, plump cushions can freshen up your kitchen chairs. Do your kids' duvets blind you with their bright colours? A plain blanket will tone down the room and allow viewers to visualize a more grown-up room if they wish. The same goes for toys, you don’t need to erase any evidence of your children, just pop the toys in a box or cupboard. Battery-powered candles placed on the mantelpiece, in the bathrooms or hall, add ambience and provide warm lighting.
Winter scent – There is nothing more appealing than walking into a home that smells fresh, opening the windows for a short time before a viewing helps to blast away any unwanted scents. Plug in scent diffusers also add a subtle aroma to the air.
Don’t forget the garden – When you’re not spending much time outside it can be easy to forget the world outside the back door, but your viewers will want to imagine themselves enjoying your garden in the warmer months. It’s a good idea to tidy away garden furniture as it can look a little tired in the winter, trim overhanging branches, and clear away any debris and leaves. Your potential buyers may wish to take a wander outside so take a brush out and scrub any slippery paths/get out the jet washer, you don’t want anyone taking a tumble!
Illuminate your home – With natural light lacking at this time of year, you’ll need to make sure your lighting is up to scratch. Carefully placed lamps and battery-operated candles in darker corners will add extra ambience. Don’t forget outside lighting either. If viewings are happening in the late afternoons/evening, a porch light will ensure your viewers find the property and don’t miss its curb appeal.
We have lots more helpful suggestions gathered during our years of experience in selling property. One piece of advice that we would give is, a little effort goes a long way when selling your home! If you have any questions or would like a chat about getting your house on the market, just give us a call (01489 581452/02380 408200). Kathryn, Ryan, Chris, James, Kate or Emma will be pleased to chat with you. We wish you all the best for a safe, successful and healthy 2023!