Winter is becoming a more favourable time to list your home for sale. Not only is there less competition, but buyers are also motivated, so you may receive a higher offer. When selling once the snow hits, there are a few things to keep in mind. Read on for the benefits of selling during the winter months as well as our 15 tips on how to stage and sell your home in winter. Did you know we provide a comprehensive home staging packing when you list your home for sale with The David Bradica Team? Reach out to us to find out more!

Benefits of Selling Your Home in Winter

1. Less competition

Many people wait until spring to sell, so there are usually fewer homes on the market during winter. Lower inventory means less competition, which increases your chances of multiple offers.

2. Motivated buyers

Most people who move in winter do so for a specific reason – maybe a job relocation or changing life circumstances require a change. They are generally pre-qualified and ready to purchase with a deadline in mind. Chances are you’ll get fewer people browsing open houses for fun in the winter months, and more serious buyers coming through your home.

3. Potential for higher offers

A market of motivated buyers and low inventory increases your chances of getting a better offer for your home. Work closely with an experienced real estate agent when setting your price. Pricing too high is a common seller’s mistake you want to avoid. Many factors go into selecting a number  – the house itself, market conditions, available inventory, and comparable homes.

How to Stage Your Home in Winter

1. Avoid the holidays

If possible, wait until after the holiday season to put your house on the market. People are busy and distracted during December. If you have no choice, be mindful that the people touring your home may celebrate different holidays than you. Keep decorations minimal to not make people feel excluded. You want as many potential buyers as possible to see themselves moving in!

2. Keep it toasty

Set your thermometer, so it’s a pleasant temperature inside – buyers will appreciate coming out of the cold into a lovely warm home. A cozy home that feels welcoming to guests is the goal with winter staging!

3. Put out winter mats

With so many people coming into the house, you want to keep the mess at the front door. If your entryway has the space, add a winter mat or boot tray with a small bench, so people can sit to take off heavy, snowy boots.

4. Open the blinds & turn on the lights

Darker days call for more light! Open blinds and curtains, turn on the lights, add lamps to darker corners, or put battery-operated candles on side tables, mantels, or your dining table. Be sure to use the same type of light bulbs throughout the house for consistency.

5. Shovel snow

Be sure the driveway and walkways are clear and free of snow and ice (not only for curb appeal but to keep everyone safe). Tuck away your shovels, snowblower and salt in the garage so it doesn’t remind people of the work they’ll be doing to clear the driveway!  

6. Keep outside well-lit

Keep the outside well-lit and welcoming, even when you don’t have showings scheduled. Buyers will often drive by to ‘scope your space’ before they attend an open house or book a showing. Putting your outdoor lights on timers will ensure everything is bright and welcoming, even when you’re not home.

7. Pay attention to curb appeal

While a lush lawn, beautiful gardens, and full trees make curb appeal easier in summer, your home’s exterior can still look incredible in winter. Clean up your gardens, remove any leaves, and trim back or remove dead plants or tree branches. Add an evergreen wreath to your door or planters of fresh greenery for a pop of colour.

8. Make it cozy

Winter is the perfect time for a cozy, inviting space. People are looking for a little oasis to escape the cold and snow. Cozy throw blankets and pillows on a couch or armchair can get people to imagine themselves curled up with a blanket and a book.

9. Clean & declutter

No matter what time of year you sell, one of the main goals of staging your home is to keep it sparking clean. Buyers will make quick judgements as soon as they walk through the door. A clean space free of clutter is inviting and welcoming. Removing personal items helps people imagine moving in and filling the home with their belongings.

10. Go neutral

Winter is the perfect time for snowy white, soft grey, or light taupe décor. Painting your walls a neutral colour is a quick and easy update with enormous impact. Neutral wall colours make a space feel bigger and allow potential buyers to imagine how they would personalize and make it their own.

11. Add ambiance

When staging your home in winter, get into a buyer’s mindset – what are they looking for? To escape the cold, a cozy and inviting space can be warm and welcoming. Battery-operated candles on the mantle, fresh flowers or evergreens, a touch of cinnamon, or cozy throw blankets, can all create a beautiful ambiance in your home.

12. Keep your fireplace maintained

If you have a wood-burning or gas fireplace, be sure it is clean and operating well. Buyers will probably pay attention to it more at this time of year than any other. They may want to test a gas fireplace, so make sure it’s ready to go.

13. Clean the windows inside and out

Clean windows let the light shine to help your home feel bright and open. Simply opening the curtains can make a space feel bigger.

14. Look for drafts

No one wants a drafty home that costs a fortune to heat in winter. Look for cracks in caulking around windows and doors to see if any cold air is coming in. Taking care of these minor repairs will go a long way when preparing your home for sale.

15. Service your furnace

If your furnace is a few years old, consider getting a check-up to provide potential buyers with a clean bill of health. The furnace will be more of a priority for buyers in the winter months, and they’ll want to be sure everything is working well.

Staging and selling a home in winter can be rewarding and profitable. With a few tweaks, you can be just as successful as any other time of the year. If you’re considering selling this winter, we’re here to help!