Getting a home ready for the market involves overcoming a variety of challenges. But for those who plan to sell their home during the winter, cleaning, organizing, and making repairs must also be accompanied by preparing for potential problems due to winter weather. If you are planning to sell your home during the colder months of the year and want to make sure each showing is as weatherproof as possible, the following three tips are a good place to begin.

Let it snow, but keep the footing below

Snow and ice are the biggest hindrances for prospective buyers and showing agents when viewing a home during the winter. If sidewalks, porches, driveways, and steps are covered with snow and ice, buyers may feel uncomfortable, and their interest in the home may be dampened before they even see the interior. 

To make sure that real estate agents and prospective buyers can focus their attention on the benefits of your home during each winter visit instead of their footing, sellers should always take time to make sure that all exterior walkways are clear of snow and ice. Also, it is a good idea to make sure there is also a cleared space in the driveway or at the curb, for convenient, safe parking.

Let there be light, even on the darkest night

Winter showings are often at a bit of a disadvantage due to fewer hours of daylight and frequently overcast skies. Sellers can help to offset the effects of reduced daylight by making sure their homes are well-lit for each showing.

Instead of having the showing agent turn the lights on in each room as they show the home, sellers should make sure that the home is well-lit at the time of their arrival. A good way to do this is to light lamps and accent lighting in each room and turn on porch and exterior lights shortly before each showing to make the home more welcoming. Adding some attractive solar lights along sidewalks and patio edges can also be helpful in making the home brighter and more memorable during those dreary winter evening showings.

Let them be warm, but come to no harm

Taking time to add a bit of extra warmth to the interior of the home can help prospective buyers remember the home and the comfort it provided on a chilly winter night. A good way to do this is to light a fire in gas, electric, or wood-burning fireplaces. If fireplaces are not operational, sellers can get a similar warming effect by placing several large candles in the fireplace opening and lighting them right before the showing is to begin. By placing the candles on a metal tray and making sure there are no flammable materials in the area, sellers can provide warmth without sacrificing safety.

For even more winter home selling tips designed to make your home offer real warmth and curb appeal, even in the dreariest part of winter, take time to discuss the matter with your real estate agent. Their work with buyers in all types of weather conditions will help them offer you sound advice to overcome the challenges of winter weather and get your home sold!  

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