10 Tips for Selling Your Home During the Winter: AttractHomebuyers This Season

December 11, 2023 by Joshua Crawford

Reading Time: 7 minutes

Life often takes unexpected turns, and sometimes unforeseen events can lead us to list our homes for sale during the winter season. Maybe you’ve decided to downsize, a career shift is moving you to a different city, or simply you long to embrace a warmer climate like Las Vegas, NV. Whatever the reason, you’re ready to sell. Believe it or not, the winter season can be a great time to sell your home. While it’s true that the housing market typically heats up during the spring, the winter/holidays are often overlooked as a prime time to sell.

Why? First of all, there is typically less inventory in the housing market this time of year, allowing your home to easily stand out among the available inventory. And though there are technically fewer buyers overall, the homebuyers that are looking are far more serious about finding a home within a specific timeframe. So, make your home warm and inviting and open it up to those looking to buy, because selling your home during the winter might be your best present this year.

1) Price your home to sell

You and your listing agent will most likely come up with a pricing strategy together based on comparable homes in the area, the state of the current housing market, and what the demand for housing looks like or is projected to do.

Competitive pricing is key. If your home shares common features with others on the block, opting for a lower price point will definitely draw in more traffic than your rivals. However, if your home is the largest one on the block, has more acreage, or a double car garage and pool, you can price your home based on the increased value it provides. Check out online estimates for how much your home is really worth and then compare them to other houses in your area.

2) Make your curb appeal a top priority

Your neighborhood may actually look more appealing to homebuyers during the winter season. You don’t want to go overboard with your exterior holiday decorations, but you want to make your house shine along with the other homes on your block.

In the winter, your lawn may lack the lush green of summer, and trees might be bare. You may want to focus on adding more pops of color. Perhaps by repainting your front door a more vibrant color, add winter weather potted plants, using colorful statuary and outdoor accents to brighten up the outdoor spaces. That’s why prioritizing curb appeal becomes essential when selling your home in colder months. Clear away sticks, dead leaves, and debris, and keep your lawn neatly trimmed. Even during winter, a few weeds can give the impression of neglect. If you have pictures showcasing your home in different seasons with vibrant flora, consider making them available during home tours. This allows buyers to witness the appeal of your property in various seasons rather than relying on imagination.

3) Showcase your home’s winter charm to attract buyers

As the temperatures decline, specific aspects of your home gain increased allure. Drawing attention to these aspects can set your property apart for buyers seeking a warm and inviting winter retreat.

If your home boasts a fireplace, consider making it a focal point during showings by lighting it, or showcase a photo capturing its warm ambiance in your listing. Emphasize the comfort and energy efficiency it offers, creating an inviting atmosphere for winter. Draw attention to any upgrades that contribute to warmth, such as double-paned windows, modern insulation, or an efficient heating system, not only ensuring comfort but also potential savings on energy bills.

Additionally, if your property features evergreen trees or plants that flourish in the winter, showcase them with some outdoor lighting to accentuate a picturesque winter landscape, appealing to those who appreciate the beauty of the season. These winter-centric elements can make your home stand out, attracting buyers looking for a cozy and welcoming retreat during the colder months.

4) Turn on the lights

To complement the coziness of your home, you’ll also want to make it bright. Turn on all the lights in your house during open houses and virtual home tours. It may be the darkest time of year outside but you can make sure it doesn’t feel that way inside your home.

This is a great time to replace burnt out light bulbs and fix light switches that aren’t working. Consider unifying the color temperature of all interior lighting, opting for a soft white hue that brightens rooms without giving you that institutional feel. This will help with consistent lighting throughout your home, creating a balanced feel as potential homebuyers walk through each room.

5) Flexibility is key

During the winter season, adaptability is crucial to cater to potential buyers with busy schedules. To enhance the chances of a swift home sale, consider implementing the following strategies:

Extended showing hours and weekend availability

With the days growing shorter and winter activities often extending into the evenings, think about stretching your showing hours. Allowing potential buyers to view your home later in the evening or earlier in the morning accommodates their schedules and increases the likelihood of attracting serious buyers. In addition, ensure your home is available for viewings on weekends to cater to those who may be occupied with work during the week. Or, have your agent hold an open house during the weekend, providing a convenient opportunity for interested buyers to explore your property.

6) Offer enticing incentives for potential buyers

Embrace the spirit of giving during the holidays by providing unique incentives that can significantly enhance the appeal of your home, particularly for discerning buyers. These festive bonuses have the potential to tip the scales for individuals who may be indecisive about making an offer on your property.

Cover a portion of the closing costs

Ease the financial burden for potential buyers by covering a portion of the closing costs. This incentive reduces the upfront payment, providing significant relief during the holiday season when house hunters may face additional financial strain.

Offer a home warranty

Offer a one-year home warranty to instill confidence in buyers. This assurance guarantees protection from hefty repair bills for major systems or appliances that may encounter issues shortly after purchase. Some warranty companies even extend coverage to sellers before the home sale.

Be flexible on closing dates

Recognize the hustle and bustle of the holidays by offering flexibility on the closing date. Be prepared to work with the buyer’s timeline, whether they prefer a swift closure or to wait until after the New Year. Keep in mind the bank holidays between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, adjusting schedules accordingly to navigate closures of banks and attorney offices

Selling your home during the winter: final thoughts

As you navigate the process of selling your home during the winter season, remember that attention to detail and strategic planning can make a significant difference. From creating a warm and inviting atmosphere to showcasing your property through professional photography and considering unique angles with aerial shots, every effort contributes to making your home stand out in the market. Keep in mind the importance of maintaining safety during winter months, ensuring well-lit interiors, and presenting your home in its best light. With thoughtful preparation, you can not only attract potential buyers but also create a lasting impression that makes your home memorable and desirable during this festive time of year!

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Dulcie is a native Nevadan, born and raised in Las Vegas, and has witnessed the spectacular growth of the Las Vegas Valley first hand. She is a graduate of UNLV’s Hotel & Business Administration College. Previously working in the Culinary Arts and Restaurant Industry for over a Decade, She switched over to working in the Real Estate Industry in 1998, and never looked back. Her love of working with people and assisting them on their options to purchase either their dream home and or an investment property has guided her to a successful career for over 25 years. Dulcie’s personal Knowledge of the Las Vegas Valley ,Henderson & Boulder City Communities, gives her a strong knowledge of the Las Vegas Valley and what’s going on in Real Estate today. Dulcie stays current with local market conditions and continues working to be updated on market trends, legal reforms and financing so she can assist you to make informed decisions. A senior Realtor with Signature Real Estate Group, she has sold 1000’s of homes since 1998. Dulcie has her ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative), SRES( Seniors Expert) SFR (Short Sales and Foreclosures Specialist), CNE (Certified Negotiation Expert) and E-Pro designations that give her the background as an advanced professional in the Real Estate Field. You will be assured a professional experience when buying or selling Real Estate with The Dulcie Crawford Group.

Dulcie’s dedication to her clients and ethical standards has earned her 5 Star Ratings and Premiere Agent Status with Zillow.com real estate portal. You will be assured a professional experience when buying or selling Real Estate with The Dulcie Crawford Group.