Selling Your Home In Winter

Selling your home at this time of year has some benefits.

There is less competition with fewer properties on the market and there are only usually serious buyers at this time of year.

We find that there can be an influx of enquiries just after new year, as this is a popular time to make plans for the year ahead. If you are considering selling during the winter months, here are some helpful tips on getting your home sale ready.

First impressions count

Stand back and look at your property from a buyer’s perspective.

Do you need to have the guttering cleared? If it rains at viewings, you don’t want a leaking guttering putting people off. Does your front door need a fresh coat of paint? Maybe something eye catching to compensate for the lack of greenery/planting in the garden due to the time of year. That said some winter flowering plants or evergreen shrubs strategically positioned at the door will transform your entrance, as well as having good outside lighting for evening appointments. Make sure other maintenance is up to date such as clearing leaves away, cleaning pathways which will neaten the area immediately. If it is icy outside remember to make sure pathways are safe for guests. On a cold and dull winter’s day, one of the most important things you can do to ensure you capture the attention of potential buyers is to have an inviting atmosphere in your home.

To step into a cosy, well-lit home is very welcoming and uplifting. Having all internal doors open with room lights on, allows viewers to see the flow of the property. Remember that viewers first impressions are made within a few seconds, so it is important to make them count. It is more difficult to have our windows open in winter, bringing in fresh air, so a few diffusers or candles around the property is ideal. If you have an open fire or wood burning stove, it is always a good idea to have this on for the viewing because it is so welcoming and we are usually drawn to a warm fire.

It’s the small touches that make the difference

As with any time of year it is important to dress your home to show it at its best so that buyers can visualise themselves living there. Keep your rooms clear from clutter as this will allow your viewers to concentrate on the space and how you have presented the room. To achieve this, try and find a balance between accessorising the room but not too personalised.

To summarise, the easiest way to test your home’s flow is to put yourself in the shoes of your buyers.
Take yourself outside of the property and enter it as if for the first time. How does it feel? The attention to detail will make such an impression on your potential buyers, so be sure to do all you can to make your property memorable.

For advice on preparing your property for market and a free pre-sale valuation please contact our estate agency department on 0131 312 7276 or email us at property@elpamsolicitors.co.uk and we will be delighted to help you.