You may believe that homes for sale in the spring and summer do better. Especially when it comes to Ontario, this can be easy to believe. Selling in the winter with our harsh winters means no curbside appeal of a beautiful garden. It would be a mistake to think that selling in winter is difficult though. MLS listings in the Niagara area can do very well in winter if you avoid the most common mistakes.
Since 1989, McGarr has been in the business of Niagara real estate. We’re the experts in turning homes for sale into homes sold. When it comes to selling in winter, we’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. This blog outlines 6 winter selling mistakes to avoid so you can get top dollar for your home and keep peace of mind in the process.
Walkways in winter aren’t just hazardous, they’re also the first thing your prospective buyers see when they come into your home. While the winter greys may have made your home look a little extra boring, clearing up the snow will make it feel welcoming to those seeing your space for the first time. You’ll want to clear away any hanging icicles and salt the walkway if necessary. Besides that, be sure that the way to your front door is tidy and you’ll be on your way!
Homes for sale on MLS will focus not just on the photographs of the house, but also on presentation of it. For your photos and showings, adding pops of colour will make the space feel warm and friendly. This is especially important during the winter season. A colourful throw blanket, a fun pillow, or a new picture will give your home that WOW factor that improves your sale potential. Bonus points if you add burning candles during your showing!
With bare trees comes clearer views out the windows, which means scuffs and fingerprints will show through. As your prospective buyers look out the window at the winter wonderland, they don’t want to be greeted by dirty streaks and stains. Before showing your home, be sure to give your windows a wipe down and you’ll have successfully avoided this mistake.
During the holiday season, selling your home may require some additional scheduling and maneuvering on your part. With everybody getting ready to visit family, setting up the festivities, and decorating to celebrate, being accommodating is especially important. This will require flexibility on your part, but prioritizing showings will set you up for success.
If your home is too cold, your prospective buyers may not want to stay very long. In the winter, it’s especially important to make sure the temperature of your home is inviting. You don’t want your prospective buyers literally getting cold feet when they think about moving into your home! If you have a home for sale, turn up the heat before your showing and allow the house to get cozy.
There may be fewer buyers in winter than there are in the spring, but winter buyers tend to be serious. Niagara Falls real estate is a great investment, and Ontario winters don’t need to be a problem, and McGarr is with you every step of the way. We’ve specialized in Niagara real estate since 1989 and have become a cornerstone of the community. If you’re ready to sell your home, contact us today and we’ll help you take this next big step.
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