Selling your home in spring or summer is not always the best option. Sure, you can expect more potential buyers to be out and about, and the curb appeal of your property will likely be a little nicer. But you open yourself to different advantages when you put your home on the market in fall or winter. So, if you’re ready to sell your home, you don’t have to wait until the flowers bloom.
Set Aside Your Worries
As Chris Highland explains, there are plenty of reasons to sell during what is traditionally considered the offseason. For example, there is less competition for the seller, and people who shop in the colder months are typically more serious about buying a home. Also, real estate agents and home improvement contractors are typically less busy, so they can devote more attention to your home and move you through the selling process faster.
Arrange for movers.
First, if you plan on selling your home, it helps to have the moving process ready. That way, you can move what you need before you show your home and move everything else out as soon as the deal is closed.
Winter makes moving more difficult because of dangerous weather like snow and ice. Even if you live in Grandview or surrounding areas, rain combined with lower temperatures can prove hazardous on the road. For this reason, it’s worth considering hiring a moving company so you don’t have to worry about it. Look online for moving companies in your area, and read reviews to help you determine which professionals to hire.
Work on your curb appeal.
No, your home might not look as impressive in the colder months, but you can still make it work. The most important thing is to ensure nothing makes your home look unkempt, so be sure to mow the lawn, clear your property of fallen leaves and tree limbs, and trim any overgrown trees and bushes.
Then, you can focus on the smaller details. If your home’s exterior looks dirty, consider pressure-washing it or having a professional do it. Consider painting the front door, replacing the house numbers, and replacing the mailbox. If you want to add an extra touch, install new shutters around the windows and/or window boxes with flowers in them.
Handle minor fixes inside.
When it comes to the interior of your home, look it over for any minor improvements you can make. For example, throwing a fresh coat of paint on the walls is a budget-friendly way to transform the look of a room. Replacing the hardware on your cabinets and appliances is a cheap and easy way to refresh your kitchen.
Moreover, if you have hardwoods that need some TLC, consider refinishing them; Family Handyman notes this can be a tedious task, but it can also add significant value to the home.
Keep it clean and tasteful.
Finally, you want to ensure your home is presentable when you show it off to buyers. Completely declutter the home from room to room, deep-clean it, and keep it clean while it’s on the market. Keep the decor tasteful, especially if you have holiday decorations, and depersonalize the space by removing family photos and other such items. Also, make sure you have plenty of light. In winter, you may have to show your home when the sun’s down, so add some additional lighting inside and outside the home.
Yes, you should put your home on the market in fall or winter. Remember to find a good moving company and to make arrangements early on in the process. Also, clean up the exterior of the property, and use minor tricks to boost curb appeal. Lastly, consider any minor improvements you can make to the interior, and make sure the home is clean and tastefully decorated. You’ll have your home sold in no time, and will be settling into the new place long before spring.
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Written by guest blogger, Andy Hughes
