Property Management Nation

The spring and summer months are considered peak season for real estate while the fall and winter are thought of as the off-season.  This doesn’t mean you can’t sell your home in the colder months, you just may have to work a little harder.  There are some advantages to selling your home or property in non-peak season as well.  You will have less competition and have the knowledge of what the market did during the prime season and can therefore adjust your price accordingly.

As for showing your home to a potential buyer, many of the same rules apply.  You should make sure to pack up all personal belongings, empty drawers and stage closets to protect your privacy.  You also need to clean thoroughly: dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures, clean cobwebs, wash windows, polish chrome mirrors and faucets, bleach grout, wash and wax floors, vacuum daily in one direction, re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks if necessary, clean out the refrigerator and empty trash and recycling.  Be sure to provide specific information by printing up cards and attaching them to items potential buyers should know more about.  For example if you have an antique chandelier, attach a card with its age and details or if you have removed a washer and dryer from the laundry room attach a card to the wall describing what the room is used for.  These cards can give a potential buyer more information in a short time since you have so little time to make an impression.

There are also certain things you as a seller can do differently in the colder months to attract potential buyers.  One of the most important things you can do is to clear a path to your house.  If you live in a snowy area be sure to shovel the snow, scrape the ice and lay down some sand.  If a buyer cannot get to your front door they will not be interested!  Also consider placing a rubber mat by your door if you live in a wet climate and a container for umbrellas.  The best way to make your house inviting during the shorter daylight hours is light.  Open all blinds, drapes and shutters to encourage as much natural light as possible and turn on every light in the house.  Don’t forget appliance and closet lights!  If you are no longer living in the home use electric timers on indoor lights and motion sensors on outdoor ones.  For rooms with few windows you can brighten them by placing spotlights behind furniture on the floor.

Heat is another way to make your potential buyer want to linger on a cold day.  Be sure to make your home comfortable by setting the thermostat to a warm temperature.  If you have a gas fireplace turn it on!  If you have a wood burning fireplace and are home it can make for a nice homely touch, but be sure to open the damper, put up a grate and attend the fire.  Soft music is another nice touch.  Jazz and classical are soothing, however be sure to load a CD player and not utilize a commercial radio station.  You want the music to be continuous.

As a seller, you also want to create a mood.  Place vases around the house filled with winter flowers and set up your fine china in the dining room.  Display photographs of lush green lawns and summer flower gardens.  You can turn your bathroom into a spa by hanging plush robes, placing groups of lotions and soaps on the counter and rolling up wash cloths tied with ribbon and placed in a basket.  Go easy on scents as many buyers are allergic to candles and air fresheners.  The number one pleasing scent to potential buyers is that of chocolate chip cookies.  If you want to create that scent be sure to provide some for the buyer to munch on!  You may also consider serving winter foods that encourage the potential buyer to linger as well.  These foods include hot soups like squash, potato or tortilla or stew or chilli.  You can also serve hot cocoa and apple cider.

While attempting to sell your home or property in the winter and fall months can seem like a daunting task , if you take a little extra time to create a warm and inviting home you just may have better luck with potential buyers!  Consider adding holiday touches during the holidays as this can tug at the heartstrings of those looking to buy your home and hopefully will make your holiday a little brighter as well.