We are regularly asked by prospective house sellers is whether it is a good idea to put a property on the market during the winter months or is best to wait until spring.
Traditionally the spring/early summer was regarded as the prime selling season, but in recent years the peaks and troughs between the usual ebb and flow of activity in the housing sector over the course of the year seem to have ironed out. Many years of experience have taught us that the quality of buyers house hunting over the Winter months is as good if not better than at other times. After all, few would want to venture out visiting properties on a cold Winter’s day unless they are genuinely serious about finding a new home. It is also worth bearing in mind that the Christmas holiday season is when the property portals record their highest levels of search activity.
Often when sellers look at maximising their property’s potential, they tend to focus their attention on the inside of the home and forget about the exterior. However, first impressions really do count; therefore it’s vital in these Winter months, there’s a clear path for viewers to walk down, with no ice, snow or fallen branches obscuring their path. The last thing you want is an accident before the buyer even gets inside your home! A concern for some about going on the market at this time of the year is that their gardens do not look at their best but on a crisp sunny Winter’s day good, flattering photographs can still be taken. Don’t forget a potential purchaser’s first sight of your house could be in the dark, so make sure the outside of your home is well lit and the property looks inviting. If you have an exterior light, consider putting it on a timer so that even when you’re not at home, it looks attractive and secure to those driving past.
One of the downsides to selling your home in Winter is that you don’t have the advantage of having natural sunlight to brighten up your home. However, utilising the lighting that you do have can make a massive difference in attracting potential buyers. When you have a viewing choose appropriate lighting for the kind of mood that you’re looking to create in each room and make sure all your bulbs are working! Create an intimate, cozy atmosphere, to help make the viewers feel ‘at home’. The best way to do this is to simply turn up the heating and light fires or log burners if you have them. As long as you make sure your property is warm, inviting and well maintained, it might actually look at its homeliest with cosy fires going and subtle lighting on.
If you would like further tips or advice on selling your property this winter, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Sales team.
