Many people say that spring and summer are the best times to sell a home. While each season has its advantages and disadvantages, winter is actually a great time to sell your home in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Keep reading to get tips and advice to make your home stand out and get it sold for the best value in winter.
1. Dress up the front of your house to make it feel warm and inviting. Don't go overboard! You want to make sure that you enhance the curb appeal of your home, not hide it. Strategically placed lights and greenery are often enough to create the idea of a welcoming home. As in other seasons, you want to create that great first impression with curb appeal.
2. One of the biggest things is a simple one-- make sure to keep the house clean and all walkways clear of leaves, snow, and other debris. If buyers need to trek through a few inches of snow on the way into your home, or if they enter a kitchen with dirty dishes all over the counter, that sets the wrong tone for the showing.
3. Don't be shy with the light and the heat. When you sell a home in the winter, turn on all the lights before showings and open the blinds. Allowing more light creates a more welcoming atmosphere, and buyers will see your home at its best. Also be sure to keep your thermostat set at a comfortable temperature all day when you have a showing. Not only does a cold home make buyers feel uncomfortable, but they will also start questioning whether your HVAC system is working.
4. Something many do not consider when preparing a home for showing is providing sound, specifically music. You could put on jazz, classical, or any other music you feel wouldn't distract from the house. Having soft music in the background makes the home feel more alive, and buyers will be more comfortable moving around and evaluating the home.
5. Be sure to take advantage of the lower inventory in the wintertime and highlight the unique features of your home. Your Realtor should have all items of significance listed in the MLS and in their in-home flyer, but you might take the time to place a small notice outside of each room to point out the important features. If you have a new water heater, you might notate that outside of your utility room, or you could list the materials used in your beautiful kitchen renovation so buyers know exactly what they are getting.
Are you buying or selling a home in Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky this year? Contact Greater Cincy Homes today to get started.