Although real estate transactions prove most popular during the fair days of summer, people also buy during the winter. They may be enduring a change in marital status, starting a new job, or wanting to take advantage of seasonal bargains. Your property can take advantage of these cold weather house hunters if you increase its curb appeal with the following tips.
Brighten the Space
Nothing attracts attention on a dark and gloomy winter day like spots of brightness. So fill your home with cheer when you’re expecting buyers by turning on all the lights. Make sure all your interior and exterior fixtures are working and contain functioning bulbs. If necessary, add an additional table and floor lamps to illuminate dark spaces. Throw open window coverings so even when buyers approach your residence, they’ll be attracted to the shine of table lamps, wall sconces, and chandeliers which will be visible from the outside.
Frame the Home
Without the softening effect of foliage, flowers, and leafy trees during warmer weather, your structure’s architecture must be able to stand out on its own in the winter. Trim any branches or evergreens that may be blocking views of your home from the street as well as preventing sunlight from entering windows to flood interiors with welcome natural light. Make sure that all exterior surfaces, such as window glass and trim are clean so your home looks new. For color accents, add containers of winter-blooming flowers like poinsettias near the entry and driveway.
Keep it Safe
Winter can make it difficult for potential buyers to reach your home if they have to cross yards covered in deep snow or driveways covered in slippery ice. Clear a path to your front door so that visitors have safe access. Keep any handrails, steps, and other structures on the front porch in good working condition so that home-buyers can use them without suffering accidents. Add a rug both outside and inside the entrance where visitors can clean their shoes. Be sure there is a place that they can place their hats, coats, umbrellas, and other winter wear, such as coat racks and umbrella stands.
Sell the Lifestyle
Show buyers the appeal of your home during all four seasons. Play up winter delights. Keep Christmas lights on outside to add a bit of sparkle. Inside, make sure that a fire is roaring from the fireplace to add visual and physical warmth. Dress your home for any holidays such as scattering heart decorations around during Valentine’s. Have some warm punch and cookies in the kitchen so visitors can feel at home.
Set up a photo display showing what the home is like during different times of years. Highlight the flowers of the front yard that come out during spring, the foliage that grows lush in the backyard during the summer, and back-to-school activities such as homework being done around the dining room table.
A house that’s properly presented can sell just as well in the winter as it does in the summer. If you need more information on lighting up your home appeal during any season, please contact us at Northern Lighting or stop by today to take advantage of our Dot Sale — receive up to 20 percent off select items!