People often ask me, “should I sell my house in winter”

The answer is yes, if the time is right for you and your family, sell your home. I have renovated and sold houses in all seasons and the fact that it might be winter, is certainly not a negative. In fact, it can often be a positive as there are fewer listings, so less competition. Buyers looking in winter are often more motivated as well, so less time wasters.

The exception to this rule would be a specialist property e.g a winery or bach in a summer destination. If your property is of this nature seek guidance from a reputable real estate agent that specialises in the appropriate field for your property.

While selling in winter can yield good results, there are things to take into account to make sure your property is looking at its best:

• Make sure your house has a lot of natural light & turn on all the lights in the house to give a bright feeling. You don’t want rooms looking dark. Talk to the agent selling your home and ensure your open homes are at the right time of the day for maximum sunshine. An open home last thing in the day when it is getting dark & cold is never going to show your property at its best.
• Get the whole house warm, not just the living area. Lighting a fire gives a lovely ambiance and makes it feel homely.
• Should your house have any mildew, mould, moisture or condensation, make sure this has been dealt to.
• Have nice cushions & a rug on the couch, light a candle. Set the scene and make it feel comfortable & snug.
• Tend to any exterior maintenance and have the grounds looking smart. Make sure the gutters & spouting are cleaned out. Pooling water or leaking downpipes are never a good look.
• Make sure you house is clean. It can never be too clean. Vacuum, mop and have everything sparkling. Getting your windows cleaned inside and out is a must.
• Make your bedrooms especially the master look inviting and lush. This can be achieved with bedding, throws, rugs, furs, cushions, candles & flowers.
• A beautiful bunch of fresh bright flowers really lifts a room. Have a bouquet in a nice vase on the dining table or in the living area. Make sure you freshen them regularly.
• Finally make sure the photos are taken on a great day when the sunshine is at it’s best for your property. Clear blue winter skies and sunshine can’t be beaten. The photos must look great. This is the first thing that potential buyers see and if you want them to contact the agent for a viewing make your photos amazing!

These are just a few things to help you with selling your house in winter. Remember life doesn’t stop because it’s winter and if the time is right for you, embrace the season and get on with selling your house xxx