Trying to sell your home in the winter can make any homeowner nervous, especially if the housing market is slow in the local area. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to give yourself an advantage over the other listing nearby.
Winter is a slow time for home sales, especially during the holidays. From January to early spring, however, individuals and families resume their search for quality homes that fit their budget and lifestyle. Here’s how to connect with those potential buyers and sell your home in the winter without sacrificing the true value of your home.
Figure out Your Listing Price
Decide on your home’s true market value and then price it to sell. Decide on a fair price and take those costs into account. The real estate company you are selling your home through should be able to help you with that analysis, and it will help you determine if you should drop any extras you may have listed with them, or if you should add them to your asking price.
Typically, the market value of a home is considered by selling an “average” home in the area. If this value seems too high, resist discounting your home. Compare the features of your home with those of other homes around and consider its true value.
Have a Full Inspection Performed on Your Home
Doing a home inspection can be expensive depending on the realtor you work with. However, it’s crucial to do a home inspection before listing your home for sale, or you’ll miss valuable opportunities to discover any issues that may need to be fixed before it goes on the market.
A home inspection identifies which home improvement projects need to be completed to ensure that it’s up to par with the local housing market standards. If your home passes inspection, you won’t have to use these funds to cover repairs later. When you’re ready to put your home on the market, buyers will be able to use the knowledge from your home inspection to determine whether you’re a reliable seller.
Get the Most From Your Home’s Curb Appeal
When it comes to selling your home, it’s not just about the interior. People want to feel comfortable in your home, and curb appeal is often an easy way to prove your home’s value to buyers.
To make your house look its best, place fresh landscaping in front of the home. Otherwise, make sure you have a few nice light fixtures in the home, to make it look brighter and more inviting to buyers. Also, consider repairing or replacing any light fixtures that are not in the greatest shape.
Keep Your Yard and Driveway Free of Ice and Snow
There is nothing worse than finding out that your home has been damaged or deemed unfit to be sold because of ice and snow. It’s best to make sure that your home is in great condition when winter begins, and snow removal is a must. Make sure your driveway and walkway are clear and free of ice and snow, especially before open house visits. Before you sell your home in the winter, be sure to clean gutters and downspouts to prevent any water buildup that could be a problem.
Create a Warm Atmosphere Indoors
Whether you are the host or the guest, the first impression is the most important and often the most lasting impression. If your home looks uninviting, unsanitary, and not warm enough, potential buyers may turn you down and decide to wait for warmer weather.
If you’re having a holiday open house in the winter, it’s especially important to keep your home at the appropriate seasonal temperature. Consider adding a few more light bulbs to warm up the space, and consider using heat tape for your windows to help keep heat in during those cold winter months.
Can’t Sell Your Home In Time? Call NH Home Buyers in Manchester, New Hampshire
If you need to sell your home faster than a realtor can, you can trust the home buying team at NH Home Buyers. In as little as seven days, we can buy your home with cash, no matter its condition. Check out our sterling reputation for buying homes, and give us a call right away.