Winter isn't typically the most popular season for home sales, but the market still remains quite active in the colder months. Follow these simple tips to make your property show well for winter home buyers.
Keep pathways clear
First impressions are everything, and snow and ice are dangerous hazards. Shovel sidewalks, your driveway and front steps and de-ice them. Ensure that pathways to your home are well lit.
Schedule showings for daylight hours
Winter daylight hours offer less time for taking advantage of natural light. If you can't schedule showings during daylight hours, brighten your home with interior lighting. Warning: bright winter sunlight can draw attention to dirty windows - so keep them clean.
Think 'cozy'
Turn up the thermostat during showings so visitors will feel the warmth of your home. Create ambience by using features such as gas fireplaces and wood stoves. Accent your home with soft throws, duvets and pillows. Play low, soothing music such as jazz or classical.
Use natural scents
Avoid scenting your home with products with a chemical odor, such as artificial room fresheners and cleaning solutions. Air out your home and clean or dispose of odor causing rugs and other fabrics. Employ natural fragrances that feed the imagination and appetite. Examples include freshly baked bread, cookies, cinnamon, apple pie and vanilla.
Ask visitors to remove footwear
Showing pride in your home suggests to potential buyers that it is clean and properly maintained.
Sincerely,
Jason Neumann
Have a Happy and Prosperous 2010!