Should I sell a house in the winter? Over my thirty-seven-year career, many potential sellers have asked me this question. Homeowners want to know if the housing market warrants listing for sale.
Is there any demand for houses? Will there be winter buyers interested in my property? From experience as a Realtor, these are great questions to ask.
You should want to know there are enough home buyers to have success and move on with your life.
In most areas of the country, house sales adjust seasonally. Remember that in most markets, buyer activity will be less. However, there will also be fewer listings to compete within the market.
The number of listings for sale will always influence home prices and how quickly you sell.
When they commit to listing their homes for sale, they ask me for the best wintertime home-selling tips. Selling a house fast comes easier when following the advice.
This season may not be the most popular time to sell a property, but this doesn’t mean you must wait until the weather warms up to list your house.
With the right strategy and hard work, you can make your residence stand out to potential buyers in a season when competition is less fierce, and some buyers are highly motivated to purchase.
It may take you a little planning and some prep work. However, when you sell your house, you need to sell it regardless of what season it happens.
Knowing how to sell a home in the winter can significantly increase your chances of success.
The advice below will put you on your way to increasing the odds of a sold sign on the lawn. Read on!
How to Make Selling a Home In The Winter Easier
If the weather is getting colder and you need to get your house sold, consider the following tips to make the process easier and more efficient.
Keep The Temperature Up
While you may want to minimize your home’s utility bills as winter weather arrives, remember that you are marketing an experience inside your property.
The people walking through your door should be able to imagine themselves living in your home – which is hard to do when they shiver from the cold.
You do not have to keep the heat going all the time if you are OK with cooler conditions, but maintain the house warm while you are showing if you want to attract offers. Set the thermostat at something reasonable.
House sales have a lot to do with emotional connections. Often, people will know they like a place within five minutes of walking through the door. Making it easier for them to connect with your home is a smart move.
Take Care of The Ice and Snow Quickly
If you live in an area where snow falls, and temperatures drop below freezing, you should make it a point to keep access to your house free and clear of these obstacles and safety hazards.
Your sidewalks and doorways should remain clear of snow and ice because they look better and allow buyers access to the interior.
It is also essential for aesthetic reasons – people like a well-kept exterior. There are also legal reasons as well. Did you know that it is easy to get sued if someone falls and gets injured on your property because of negligence on your part?
Some states like Massachusetts have made it a law that you have a legal responsibility to clear snow and ice from your home. Getting sued is never fun.
Spending a little extra keeping your property maintained makes sense, especially during this season.
Keep The Exterior Clean
One of the problems with wintertime is all the grime that accumulates due to the snow and ice. Your windows and siding may have a noticeable layer of dirt that is best cleaned off before you show the house.
You only get one first impression, so make it count by cleaning the exterior. So, while keeping your walk and driveway cleared of ice and snow is essential, you also want the general appearance of your property to be up to snuff.
Snow removal is vital, so don’t neglect this part of the sales process.
Staging a home is one of the essential things any home seller should do, regardless of the season. Maintenance and repairs should be done before listing properties for sale. There will be fewer negotiations to consider when your home is well-maintained.
A graceful appearance is undoubtedly one of the top home-selling tips. See my guide for additional help with exterior home staging and helpful advice on making your interior shine.
Watch Out For Ice Dams
While many people love the almost magical look of wintertime around a residence with snow and cool-looking icicle formations, these things can wreak havoc on our homes.
One of the more common issues that can appear in cold winter climates is the formation of ice dams.
Ice dams can form around the roof’s eaves and gutters, causing tremendous damage.
They can loosen shingles, tear off shingles, and force water into our properties.
Water can cause damaged ceilings, peeling paint, ruined insulation, and, if you don’t address the problem right away, mold! You will want to address fixing ice dam problems immediately, especially when selling your property.
Not many things in a home purchase will scare a buyer away faster than a water issue.
As a Realtor, we always discuss how to prepare for the buyer’s home inspection with sellers. This is important because it is the most significant hurdle to clear when you sell a house.
Many customers are scared to death of any water issues. Not only will you want to fix the ice dam itself, but any water staining left behind as well.
When you don’t fix water issues, you’ll be left with selling a house with black mold. Doing so can be an expensive proposition.
Showcase The Fireplace if You Have One
If you have a fireplace, you should show it off to buyers. How you do this will depend on several things. If you have a gas fireplace, starting it before a showing and adding some ambiance to your family room area is easy.
However, a wood-burning fireplace is not something you can leave burning around the clock. You can set up the wood for a fire – at least demonstrating the potential for what the house can do.
Talk with your real estate agent to determine the best way. They may be comfortable starting and caring for a fire while showing your house. Most real estate experts will tell you the atmosphere inside will play a significant role in sales.
Show it in The Daytime If You Can
You only get so much daylight during the wintertime. Try to time the showings of your home for when the sun is still shining. Getting buyers to your house before the workday ends may take some effort, but there are obvious benefits to doing so.
People can see how the house looks inside and out and will be more likely to find it appealing. Your property features will be far more apparent. Since you can’t control when people want to look at your home, having a well-lit exterior for the occasional showing past daylight hours will make sense.
Take the time to make sure you have all the exterior lights turned on. If you have spotlights for the backyard or deck area, ensure these are also turned on.
Selling in the winter can be more challenging to show off your home’s exterior living areas, but it is well worth the effort.
Emphasize Your Home’s Comfort
Beyond keeping the house warm and the fire lit, you can do many things to make your home more comfortable and inviting.
Buyers may come in out of the cold and feel stressed from the house-hunting experience.
They may wonder if they can find a house they like that will benefit them and their loved ones. Let them know it fits this ideal by focusing on the little things.
You could put a nice fluffy blanket on the couch, turn back the comforter on the bed, and ensure the interior lighting is warm and cozy.
Some sellers like to bake cookies or pies during a showing to keep the house smelling fantastic. Others want to put on some relaxing music and light candles.
What you do will depend on your personality and your workplace space. Putting in a little effort to make the home comfortable in an otherwise miserable season can work wonders for your sale.
I remember a few years ago, while marketing a home in Franklin, Massachusetts, how well the seller had their property looking.
Everything was perfect, from their exceptional care with their exterior, the holiday decor, and the subtle music playing in the background.
The Realtors and buyers going through the home quickly commented on its excellent appearance. It was a difference maker as the house sold after only being on the market for a few weeks in a prolonged time of year.
Embrace The Wintertime Season
The holiday season is one of your most significant advantages while selling in winter. While there are challenges presented by holidays and vacationing buyers, you can also do a range of things to tap into the energy that already exists due to the season.
Wintertime sellers often decorate their homes for the holiday to draw buyers in. Decorations, lights, scents, and even presents under the tree can all do great things for your sale.
Many home buyers will have families or be planning on having a family.
Let them see how great your house is for throwing holiday parties and enjoying time with family and friends. It may be just the thing to attract an offer. Just make sure you don’t go overboard.
While being festive and having holiday decor can set your home apart from others, it can also become a major distraction when you cross the limits.
Ask your real estate agent their opinion. Realtors go into many homes, so they should understand what is tasteful and “too much.”
No Shoes in The House
It is easy to be too accommodating to potential buyers, sometimes to your detriment. One boundary that buyers may appreciate is the “no shoes” rule.
Considering all the slush and dirt that can be pulled in from outside, it only makes sense to have visitors remove their footwear before walking around your home.
You have already had the carpet cleaned in anticipation of your showings. The last thing you want is mud and dirt from foot traffic. You can place a sign at the door letting visitors know that shoes should be removed before entering.
Some people offer disposable slippers to wear while in the house, although this is unnecessary. What this does is show that you take pride in your home. Buyers appreciate this, especially when they have the same mindset you do.
Price The House Correctly Based on The Market
Pricing correctly is one of the essential tips for selling in the winter. Depending on your area, the competition for property sales may be less due to the winter season.
However, this does not mean you should price excessively high. House pricing should be conservative, with fewer buyers in the market.
There are real risks that come with too high a price, including having it remain on the market far too long to attract suitable offers.
Work with your Realtor to set a fair price to attract offers immediately.
The sooner you sell, the better. Setting the right price is critical in an area where winter selling activity decreases.
The last thing you want is to have your days on the market inflated heading into spring. Overpriced houses stand out like a sore thumb!
This will encourage buyers to make lowball offers on your home. I am sure you will want to avoid this at all costs!
Monitor the days on the market carefully and try to understand when to reduce your price is appropriate. Again, your real estate agent should be a trusted adviser to consult on this subject.
General Home Sales Tips
Some things go without saying when selling, no matter the time of year.
Besides accurate pricing, which is the most important thing you can do, other items are critical to a successful sale.
These include picking a top-producing Realtor, having exceptional photography, writing creative property descriptions, keeping your place clean and decluttered, and allowing easy access for agents to show your house.
If you forget to declutter, potential buyers will focus their attention away from the quality of your property’s best features and amenities.
Look at some of the best home sale tips money can buy. When you follow these sales tips, there is no doubt your chances of success will improve dramatically.
Make Your Marketing Material Count
One of the downsides of selling a home in the winter is that people can often not see how great your lot looks.
Maybe you have the greenest lawn on the block?
How about a tree that is just stunning when it is in full bloom in the spring? Do you have a fabulous in-ground pool for summertime fun?
These are all things that a buyer will not appreciate when you are selling in the winter. You can, however, make it easier for them to picture.
Please do this by giving them some of your best exterior photos during other seasons. Seasonal photography is excellent and will complement any other creative real estate marketing you have left on the counter for a potential buyer to take with them.
Why Sell a Home In The Cold Weather Season?
Now that you know how to sell, you may wonder if it is a good idea. Like selling a home in the fall, some advantages come with marketing in the winter.
The seller’s most significant competitive advantage in the wintertime is less competition. There are far fewer homes for sale in the winter than at other times.
Most homeowners will wait until early spring to market their properties. The lack of inventory for sale benefits a seller as buyers have fewer choices.
Additionally, while this time of year is usually much slower for home sales, the buyers looking are almost always more serious, especially in areas where the weather is inclement.
Unless they are earnest about buying, it is doubtful a buyer will make a practice of going out and looking at properties in the snow and frigid temperatures.
Should I Take My Home Off The Market in The Winter?
Is winter a lousy time to sell your house?
Whether to take a property off the market in the winter is another question that comes up quite regularly in discussions with sellers. There is no right or wrong answer. It depends on your goals.
One instance where it could make sense to take a property off the market is when it has already been on for an extended period.
Days on the market are a significant factor that will help buyers determine what they want to offer.
When the days on the market extend, buyers will naturally feel like they have more negotiating power. By taking it off the market and coming back on in the spring, the days on the market are often reset back to zero.
For example, in Massachusetts, when you take a home off the market for 60 days, the “clock” is reset to show a new listing that has not been on the market.
You could find that getting your home under contract is much less challenging in the spring. Experts will tell you that it is the worst time of year to sell. December and January typically have significantly lower sales volume in most areas of the U.S.
Additional Quick Pointers For Winter Home Sales
- Hang a festive wreath on your front door that enhances your exterior’s curb appeal.
- Have a fun and welcoming holiday mat at your front door.
- Make sure the walk is sanded on days of ice and snow.
- If you have a porch, enhance it with garland and lights.
- Have Christmas or holiday music playing in the background during showings.
- Keep all shades and blinds drawn for maximum sunlight while showings occur during the day.
- Have lights on in every room of the house.
- Emphasize local wintertime attractions in marketing material, such as an excellent area for skiing or a favorite lake/trail for snowmobiling.
- Leave cookies, hot chocolate, or for buyers when the temperature drops.
- Avoid all common house-selling mistakes.
Pros and Cons of Selling a Home in The Winter
Pros
- Less competition – there are usually fewer properties for sale in the winter.
- Buyers are motivated – typically, a buyer looking in the winter needs to find a home.
- Real Estate agents have fewer clients, leading to more personal attention.
- Buyers have more free time to look at homes due to vacations.
- Houses look like homes with festive decor.
Cons
- Fewer buyers in the market to purchase.
- There will likely be fewer offers, and you’ll unlikely have a bidding war.
- Offers can be lower due to buyers thinking there are deals.
- You won’t be able to see the yard in the best light or at all if snow is on the ground.
- Flaws with older homes become more noticeable, such as drafts or high energy consumption.
FAQs
What are the advantages of selling during this season?
Selling in the winter season can have several advantages. First, there tends to be less competition on the market during this time, as many homeowners prefer to wait until spring or summer to list their properties.
Your house may stand out more and attract more potential buyers. Additionally, serious buyers actively searching for housing are more likely to look during winter, as they may have specific timing needs. For example, they are relocating for work or starting a new school year.
Furthermore, with the holiday season in full swing, properties often look more inviting and cozy, creating an emotional connection with buyers.
How do I highlight winter-friendly features when listing for sale?
It is essential to highlight its winter-friendly features to attract potential buyers. Start by emphasizing the efficiency of the home’s heating system, showcasing any upgrades or insulation that help keep the house warm and cozy during colder months.
In addition, focus on any unique amenities particularly appealing during cold weather, such as a fireplace or a hot tub. Highlighting these features can create a sense of comfort and relaxation for potential buyers. It makes them envision themselves enjoying the season in their new property.
Lastly, don’t forget to mention any nearby winter activities or attractions, like skiing resorts or ice skating rinks, as this can further enhance the property’s appeal during this time of year.
How can I navigate the challenges of limited daylight when showing?
Navigating the challenges of limited daylight during showings can be a bit tricky. However, several strategies can help make the most of the daylight hours.
First, ensure that all curtains and blinds are open to allow as much natural light into the space as possible. In addition, strategically placed mirrors can help reflect and amplify the available light, creating a brighter and more inviting atmosphere.
Another helpful tip is to use warm-toned LED light bulbs throughout the house, as they mimic natural sunlight and create a cozy ambiance. Lastly, consider scheduling showings during the mid-morning or early afternoon when the daylight is at its peak.
What precautions should I take when conducting showings?
In snowy or icy conditions, it is crucial to prioritize the safety of both potential buyers and yourself. First, ensure that all walkways and driveways are cleared of snow and ice, using salt or sand to provide traction.
Additionally, place visible signs indicating any potentially hazardous areas. Ensure a designated area for visitors to remove their shoes or provide shoe covers to prevent tracking in snow and melting ice.
It is also advisable to keep the thermostat set at a comfortable temperature to create a welcoming atmosphere. Lastly, consider providing hot beverages such as coffee or tea to help visitors warm up and feel more at ease during their visit.
Noteworthy Statistics on Seasonal Property Sales
1. More than 45% of home buyers believe that it is an excellent time to find a bargain.
2. Approximately 60% of buyers purchasing properties during the winter are motivated by specific lifestyle changes, such as relocating for a new job or starting a family.
3. Over 30% of homeowners who sell their houses in the winter report experiencing less competition than in other seasons.
4. Buyers looking for properties in the winter have a 15% higher likelihood of being pre-approved for a mortgage than those searching in warmer months.
5. The average number of competing listings per buyer is significantly lower at around 5, increasing the chances of selling at or above the asking price.
6. Residences listed for sale during the winter months statistically involve fewer negotiations and contingencies, resulting in smoother and faster closing processes
Selling a Home in This Season in Massachusetts
Are you planning on selling in the Metrowest, Massachusetts, or the surrounding area? If so, I would welcome the opportunity to interview for your business.
Feel free to reach out at any time.
More Helpful Sales References
- How to Decorate for Winter – see some excellent tips for decorating your home during wintertime via Better Homes and Gardens.
- Using St. Joseph to sell – if you are religious, it might be worth trying the tradition of burying St. Joseph to sell a property. See how to go about using this sales method.
Use the additional tips on selling your home in the winter to improve your property’s appearance and increase your chances of success during a more challenging time.
About the Author: The above Real Estate information about selling a home in the winter was provided by Bill Gassett, a Nationally recognized leader in his field. Bill has expertise in mortgages, financing, moving, home improvement, and general real estate.
Learn more about Bill Gassett and the publications he has been featured in. Bill can be reached via email at billgassett@remaxexec.com or by phone at 508-625-0191. Bill has helped people move in and out of Metrowest towns for the last 37+ years.
Are you thinking of selling your home? I am passionate about real estate and love sharing my marketing expertise!
I service Real Estate Sales in the following Metrowest MA towns: Ashland, Bellingham, Douglas, Framingham, Franklin, Grafton, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Natick, Northborough, Northbridge, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Sutton, Wayland, Westborough, Whitinsville, Worcester, Upton, and Uxbridge MA.
