Should you List your Property in Winter?
Category Property Advice
There's no reason to wait! You might not know it but selling your house in the winter has several advantages. Homes do sell in the winter and it may be argued that it is actually the best season to sell, even though it may not be as desirable as warmer months for convenience and comfort reasons, there are many benefits to listing your property at this time of year.
Reasons to sell your home in winter
Buyers are serious and motivated in the winter
Those buyers who aren't serious are filtered out by the cold weather. They may be intrigued, but they truly aren't sure. They are merely "looking," as they have no idea what they desire. Open houses would be visited by these possible purchasers, but there aren't many at this time of year.
In the winter, potential buyers are serious, driven, and prepared to buy. Frequently, they do so out of necessity. Whatever the reason, they are serious and their search for a new house is typically urgent. It could be that their existing living circumstances changed suddenly or they were forced to relocate due to job changes.
Some properties show better in winter
Some properties just have a warm, inviting vibe about them. This may be due to the interior design, or even the architecture, but buyers are more drawn to these homes in the winter. Buyers are enticed to imagine themselves cozying up in front of large fireplaces on a chilly winter night. The summer just can't produce this kind of appeal.
You'll possibly get closer to your asking price
Selling your home during the winter may result in a higher price because during the winter, there is less inventory and fewer options on the market for purchasers. Winter buyers are less likely to try to lower the price if your home is priced competitively and is presented attractively. They are less inclined to take a chance on passing up a quality home at a reasonable price since they have fewer options. Buyers are also more likely to have several properties they are interested in during the busier and more competitive summer months, which makes them feel more pressured to haggle over the price and terms.
Less competition if there are fewer homes for sale
In the winter, there are fewer homes for sale since most homeowners prepare their homes for sale in the spring. There may be over 30 residences available for potential purchasers to select from in the warmer months. However, during the winter, they may only have 5. There is less competition if there are fewer possibilities. It increases your chances of selling (and, once more, increases the likelihood that you'll get the price you desire for your home).
You'll get the best attention from your estate agent
While Harcourts agents are always totally dedicated to their clients' goals anyway, there's generally fewer properties listed so you'll have your agent's undivided attention and they will be very focused on your property sale, giving you the time and energy you deserve.
Tips for selling your home in winter
Make your house feel cozy and welcoming. Making your home cozy and inviting is the finest way to showcase it during this time of year. Make sure your home's temperature is set to the ideal level so that potential buyers will feel comfortable as soon as they enter. Make sure it's not too warm, though. Too much heat is oppressive and uncomfortable. Keep in mind that the purchasers are probably already prepared for the outdoors. Just make sure it's cozy inside.
Create a winter-themed interior design. To create ambiance, cover furniture with a blanket or throw and pile wood beside the fireplace. Light candles and brew some coffee. You want potential buyers to think the home is a cozy, welcoming haven. Leave dry, clean towels in the bathrooms and and conceal your personal toiletries. Have a vase of beautiful, fresh winter flowers greet viewers as they walk in. Bake cookies for that warm, homely aroma.
Turn on the fireplace. Also, show any cushions or "throw blankets" you may have. It will make your home a welcoming and warm space when coming in from the cold outdoors.
Use your nose. People, dogs, and yes, cooking all produce odours. When trying to sell your house in the winter, clean and vacuum more frequently. Use a lovely scented diffuser or a bowl of coffee beans to absorb unpleasant odours. Candles and fragrances are excellent, but keep in mind that less is more. Avoid masking odours with overpowering scents because doing so will just give the impression that you are concealing something.
Play up the natural light. Winter literally means shorter days with fewer hours of daylight. Work around this by scheduling your viewings properly. They shouldn't be scheduled for later than 5:00 pm since the sun sets at around 6:00pm. You might also consider replacing the current bulbs in your lights with brighter ones. Another tip: prior to viewings, clean your windows. Your home's natural illumination may be enhanced, increasing its appeal to purchasers.
Curb appeal. Even in these chilly months, curb attractiveness is crucial. Buyers should be intrigued by what is behind your front door. A brand-new coat of paint makes a big difference in making a good first impression. Additionally, you can improve the front balcony space. Change the doormat, the address numbers, and even the external lighting as well. Such minor adjustments can have a significant impact.
Clean! Even in the winter you should make an effort to clean and depersonalize your home. Nothing turns people off more than an untidy or cluttered home. Removing your personal belongings enables the prospective buyer to picture themselves living in the space.
So don't wait until the winter is over! You can't lose. In fact, you might have an even better shot at selling. Yes, there are fewer possible buyers, but because the real estate market will be less competitive, you should find more serious buyers. The seasonal lows in housing inventory levels should also be helpful.
Author: Harcourts South Africa
