If springtime is considered prime house-selling season, winter is prime house-prepping season..
With winter's major holidays behind, and summer activities like travel, vacations, graduations, and anniversaries ahead, winter is the sweet spot for doing whatever your home needs to sell fast for the price you want!
Then, come spring, you’re not getting ready to sell. You're ready to sell. Here's how to make the most of winter.
See your weak spots
In winter, you're more likely to see your home's problem areas. When you spend more time indoors, you're more likely to notice any of the following: rooms that look dreary, windows that are drafty, interior lighting that isn't bright enough, or areas that have an unpleasant scent.
Outside your house, winter landscapes can look barren and boring compared to how your property looks in summer -- lush and healthy. So, winter's the best time to analyze the layout of your landscape, its hardscape, and any cluttered or barren areas.
Do you have a clear and welcoming path to the front door? Are there any bare tree branches overhanging the roof? Have shrubs overgrown their space, needing pruning? Are dormant flower beds in need of a top dressing?
Now's the time to address your all-important curb appeal. Paint your front door. Maybe add a handsome, upgraded garage door or some flower boxes under your front windows. Pressure wash the driveway. If your siding is mildewed or dirty, pressure wash that also.
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| In winter, your landscape may be stripped to its basic design, and the trees and shrubs that anchor it all year long. |
You're ready for spring
Selling a home and moving are stressful events. You can't ignore your mental health. Once you've pared down furnishings that don't increase the perceived value of your home, cleaned and organized closets, cabinets, basement, garage, and attic, and had important repairs done, you'll feel empowered and ready for staging.
So, when spring arrives, you'll be ready to hit the market instead of hurrying through packing up and staging your home. Without the pressure that comes with rushing, you can make good decisions during negotiations.
Many people are considering moving to a better climate or are moving because they've received a promotion or a healthy tax refund. And renters, who make up 34% of Americans, are often ready to become homeowners.
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| By the time your home is listed, you'll know you've done your best to make it desirable, without stressing yourself. |
It's bargain time
One of the most common New Year's resolutions people make is to declutter their homes. That means early in the year thrift stores are well-stocked with furnishings and decor items. Although for most parts of our country, garage sales are a winter rarity, sources like Facebook Marketplace, Etsy, and Craigslist thrive during the winter. These are good sources of like-new furniture, lamps, mirrors, artwork, and even curtains and draperies.
Prepping your home over the winter months also means you can spread your expenses over a few months rather than rushing to beat the Spring rush.
If it bothers you to think you have to spend money to sell your home, remember that your home is an investment. Think of it as a business. Ask any successful business owner, and you'll hear that phrase, "To make money, you need to spend money." A poorly presented home will attract flippers and bottom feeders instead of people willing to spend more to achieve the lifestyle they want. Your job as a seller is to create the image of that lifestyle.
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| Local thrift stores and Facebook Marketplace are my favorite sources for staging furniture and props. |
Contractors are available
One of the most overlooked perks of winter prep is that many professionals that you need have a "slow season." That means you're likely to get a quicker response, easier scheduling, and competitive price quotes. Crews might even have time to give the job extra attention if they aren't pressed for time.
Winter's a great time to find painters, landscapers, HVAC experts, flooring companies, carpet cleaners, gutter and roofing repairers, a handyman, and a home inspector. Calling and connecting with these contractors, you won't be scrambling for last-minute fixes, and you can get the jump on other sellers to line up a Realtor!
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| Most tradespeople have a busy season and a slow season. A slow season can benefit both the customer and the contractor. Photo: New Age Air |
Get the look, get the book
The sooner you begin getting your home market-ready, the smoother the sale will go. This slower approach to home prepping also makes it easier for you to emotionally detach from your home and look forward to your next one.
To learn other ways to make your home sell faster for more money, download my eBook, DIY Home Staging Tips to Make Your Home Sell Fast and For Top Dollar. You'll discover a wealth of ways to make your home look more expensive without hiring a professional homestager.