Winter is a great time to sell, and it is simply a perception that it is best to wait till spring to market your home. Here at Bayleys, as we head into the winter months we have just celebrated one of our biggest selling months ever.
If you are thinking of selling there is no better time to sell your property than now. All year round there are the same number of buyers in the market but with less properties for them to choose from demand often outweighs supply, so your home is more likely to stand out from the crowd.
We are confident that we can sell your property, no matter what the season. However, one of the questions we’re asked by vendors is how they should best prepare for an open home in winter; so we thought we would share a list of tips for you so you can prepare for your next open home…
- Pick the right time – What time does your home get the most daylight and benefit from any winter sunshine? Let us know and we’ll try to bring along prospective buyers to show your home when the time is right.
- First impressions count – Often your garden won’t be looking its best in winter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still make a great first impression. Make sure the pathways and entrances are free from mud. If the trees have shed their leaves, create some interest with a bird feeder or some outdoor fairy lights. Invest in some hardy container plants to add a splash of colour at your front door.
- Warm things up – If you have a fire, light it. Who doesn’t feel cozy at the sight of a log fire? If not pop the heat pump on and switch on any underfloor heating in the tiled areas to pre-warm the house. Don’t forget the back rooms, if you have a cold spot in your home, these seem worse when you come from a pre-warmed living area, so you might need to borrow or invest in a column or fan heater to warm these areas before your prospective buyers arrive.
- Brighten things up – Check your lightbulbs and consider adding a few extra table lamps around your house, these will add cheer on a gloomy winter day.
- Add some “warm” touches – A folded comforter at the foot of the bed or warm throw on the couch, a beautifully plumped cushion, a plush rug in warm hues or a lit candle in a coloured votive, can all evoke feelings of warmth and comfort when your prospective buyers come in from the cold.
- A view from the inside out – Windows can get grimy in winter, so be sure to make sure they’re sparkling.
- Stick with the “no shoes” rule – Ask your guests and your family to remove their footwear inside. We’ll do the same when we’re running open homes for you. If you’ve had your carpets professionally cleaned before putting your house on the market, the last thing you want is mud and dirt carried through your house.
If you’re considering selling your home in winter get in touch with Bayleys Marlborough so we can offer you a complimentary appraisal and help you on the right track to finding your buyer!
