You might think selling your house in the cold winter months means less interest from buyers and a slower market overall. But you’d be wrong to think winter isn’t a good time to sell. In fact, putting your house on the market in winter can give you some unique seller-only benefits. In fact, if you present your home well and work with experienced real estate agents, selling your home during the winter can mean you can catch the eye of serious buyers and maybe even get a great price.
So, how do you make your home as appealing as possible when selling in winter, and what can you do to get the best price? This quick guide will tell it like it is and go beyond just turning up the heat and giving the garage a clean out – we will look at a bunch of different ways to impress potential buyers, how you can use the ‘winter mood’ to your advantage and how to show off your home’s best features, even when it’s cold outside!
Understanding The Winter Buyer Mindset
Before we dive into specifics, it is always a good idea to get a better understanding of the underlying motivations and also priorities of people looking to buy during winter. It is interesting to note that these buyers are often highly motivated. They might be relocating for work or family reasons or simply be on a timeline that necessitates a winter purchase. This sense of urgency is good as it means the viewings you receive are likely to be from genuinely interested parties.
Winter buyers are also naturally going to be particularly sensitive to the comfort and warmth of your home when they visit. This is simply because it’s cold outside and they want to know they will be warm in winter (especially in locations like Christchurch, where temperatures are generally colder than the majority of the country). The buyer will be picturing themselves living in the space during the colder months, they will be paying close attention to factors like heating, insulation, and how the house feels overall.
Keeping these things in mind will give you a good starting point for selling your home in winter, but what should you be doing to really maximise your homes appeal? Read on to learn our top 5 tips and tricks.
Top 5 Tips For Selling Your Home In Winter
As the days get shorter and chillier, the idea of putting your home on the market might feel a little less than inviting. However, dismissing winter as a good time to sell could mean missing out on a pool of serious buyers and a market that offers its own set of advantages. Let’s take a look at some actionable steps you can do to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that captures the attention of motivated buyers and helps you achieve a successful sale result during the colder months.
1. Sensory Details Matter
When it’s cold outside, how a home feels becomes even more important. You want potential buyers to step inside and immediately feel a sense of comfort and well-being, a welcome escape from the cold outside.
- Temperature Is King. Although a fairly obvious one for most, making sure your home is nice and warm for every open home is your top priority. Light the fire, turn on the heat pumps, get the underfloor heating going and make sure the house is at optimal temperature well before the open home or viewings.
- Light It Up! Winter days are shorter and darker in general, so ensuring your place is well lit is going to add to the welcoming and comforting vibe. To maximise the most light in your home, open up all of the curtains and blinds, trim outside trees near windows and give your windows a good clean before viewings. Your goal is to allow in as much natural light as possible. Add lamps and additional lighting in any dark spots if you need to and leave all of the lights on for the open home – this is the one time you don’t want to worry about conserving electricity!
- Make It Smell! Subtle and pleasant smells can significantly enhance the feeling of warmth and hominess. Avoid overpowering air fresheners or room sprays though as these can be off-putting. Instead opt for natural scents like wintery spices (cinnamon or cloves), freshly baked cookies or bread (excellent options if you have the time), or a subtle scented candle with a vanilla or sandalwood aroma. And it goes without saying to ensure the house is free from any unpleasant odours too (pet smells in particular!).
- Cosy Counts. Adding elements that give off warmth and comfort helps a lot in winter. Think soft, fluffy throws draped over sofas and chairs, plush cushions, and perhaps even a strategically placed fluffy rug. These visual cues contribute to the overall feeling of a welcoming and comfortable home.
2. Highlight Winter-Ready Features
Showcasing the practicality of your home in winter is particularly important as buyers are interested in the home’s ability to withstand the colder months. This means you need to emphasise all of the features that contribute to warmth, efficiency, and comfort during winter.
- Heating Systems. During open homes get your real estate agent to highlight the type (and efficiency) of your heating system (central heating, heat pumps, wood burning fire, underfloor heating, etc). They also need to mention if your system is new/modern technology or particularly energy-efficient and provide information on recent maintenance or upgrades.
- Insulation. Good insulation is a major selling point in winter, especially in New Zealand. If your home is well-insulated (walls, roof, floors), make sure your real estate agent emphasises this and provides details about the type and thickness (R-rating) of insulation if possible.
- Glazing. Highlight double or triple glazed windows and well-sealed/insulated doors, as these are big contributors to heat retention and energy efficiency. Always seal off any draughts or address issues with window and door seals before putting your home on the market.
- Draught-Proofing. We all know you will have taken steps to draught proof your home before putting it on the market but going that extra mile will pay off. Think weather stripping around doors and windows, filler and additional insulation. This demonstrates to buyers your attention to detail and commitment to energy efficiency.
- Don’t Forget The Outdoors. Ensure pathways and driveways are clear of ice, moss, slime or mould before open homes to create a safe, welcoming and clean entrance. If you have a covered porch or entryway, have your real estate agent highlight its benefit in providing much-needed shelter during wet weather.
3. Showcase The Winter Lifestyle
Helping potential buyers get an idea of what it would be like living in your house and enjoying the winter months will help with overall buyer sentiment. Showcase that cosy fireplace, beautiful views and make changes to décor where possible.
- Winter Views Are Pretty Too! If your property offers attractive views (snow-covered landscapes, distant mountains, forest-clad hills), make sure these are held in the best light when planning open home times. This might mean aiming for sunset, early mornings or just when the sun is hitting at the right moment.
- Cosy Up Those Indoor Spaces. Staging key living areas to emphasise their comfort and warmth is well worth the effort in winter. Arrange furniture to create inviting areas and a cosy feel. A well-placed reading lamp, hot cup of coffee, and a stack of books can work wonders!
- Add Some Seasonal Décor. Don’t overdo it, but subtle winter-themed touches can enhance the ambience. Think natural elements like pinecones, indoor plants to add a touch of green, or neutral-toned throws and cushions.
- Advertise Nearby Winter Activities. If your location offers access to winter activities or amenities (ski fields, hot pools, indoor sports facilities or popular cafes), get your real estate agent to drop these into the conversation and highlight their close proximity. This can appeal to buyers who enjoy being out and about in the winter season.
4. Make A Lasting First Impression
The presentation of your home is always important, no matter what the season. However, it takes on a particular significance during the darker and often drearier winter months. So you better make it count!
- Cleanliness Comes First. Clean your home thoroughly, and then do it again! A clean home is essential year-round, but it’s even more critical in winter when natural light is less abundant and any spots you’ve missed or neglected will be more noticeable. Pay extra attention to windows and doors, and anywhere mould or dust can accumulate.
- Declutter Declutter Declutter. A cluttered home feels smaller and less inviting, especially during winter when people tend to spend more time indoors. Nobody wants to see your stuff, they want to envision where their stuff would go! Remove all visible personal items and even any excess furniture to create a sense of spaciousness and efficiency.
- Neutralise And Depersonalise. While creating a cosy atmosphere is important, you still want potential buyers to be able to envision themselves living in the space. Remove any and all overly personal items and consider introducing a neutral colour palette for bedding and throws as this is less off-putting.
- Highlight Storage Features. Winter goes hand in hand with extra footwear, coats and hats, along with bulky hobbies such as skiing, hockey and netball. Showcasing the storage space (if you have some) will be a big win, especially for families. This includes cupboards, attic spaces and sheds – don’t forget to give these areas a good clean too!
- Professional Photography Counts. While it might be tempting to want to take your own photos to save money, high-quality photographs are really important these days for online listings and first impressions. Especially in winter, when the weather and lighting might not always be overly cooperative.
- Address Potential Winter Concerns Upfront. Buyers are going to bring it up – even if you are hoping they won’t. Don’t get caught off guard, be prepared to address any concerns that winter buyers might have and provide readily available answers or solutions. This might mean having the necessary energy efficiency paperwork at hand or even just being prepared to put in some extra repair and maintenance work to seal the deal.
- Clear Up Outdoor Spaces Too. While outdoor spaces might not be the primary focus in winter, it is still important to ensure they are tidy and appear low maintenance. Sweep up leaves, trim any overgrown shrubs, and make sure pathways are clear and safe (not slippery).
5. Leverage The Expertise Of Your Real Estate Agent
An experienced real estate agent will be your best asset when navigating selling in the winter market. They will be able to provide valuable insight into local market conditions, advise on pricing strategies, and help you effectively showcase your home’s winter appeal.
Your agent will understand the dynamics of the market in your area and tailor your marketing strategy accordingly towards serious buyers. They will efficiently schedule viewings, taking into account shorter daylight hours and potential weather disruptions, and be invaluable in the negotiation phase, securing the best possible sale result. See here for some helpful questions you might want to ask your real estate agent when selling.
Understanding the winter buyer’s priorities, strategically enhancing your home’s warmth and comfort, and highlighting its winter-ready features will help you embrace the wintertime selling opportunities and attract the perfect buyer! Looking for local real estate agents in Christchurch to sell your home? Unlock your property’s potential with Ray White Bishopdale today!
