Selling a House in Winter? It can be Done!
The leaves have fallen, the trees are bare, the air is cold with snow in the air! Can I still sell my house? Absolutely! While nobody likes to think about moving on a cold Fort McMurray winter day, the need to buy and sell a home is still there. Unfortunately, whether there is snow on the ground or not, winter months can hide some of the best features of your house, like your back yard, garden, deck or fence. So if you haven't already, now is the time, to take some great photos of the exterior of your home. A picture can say a thousand words, but you want them to be the right words; make sure your exterior photos aren't cluttered with toys, pets or garbage and showcase the BEST you have to offer. Here are a few more hints to help your home sell in the winter months:
Shovel, shovel, shovel...shovel the walk-way, shovel the steps, shovel the deck, shove the path to the garage, shovel your parking spaces and don't forget to shovel that poop if you’re a pet owner. Not only do you need to shovel, it is your responsibility to make sure the exterior areas people are walking on are safe. So after you shovel, sand and salt!
Light it up - On top of the snow, we also have to deal with the short daylight hours here in Northern Alberta. No one has ever complained about a house being too bright, so be sure to turn all the lights on, inside and out, and if you have a room that’s still a little dark, time to invest in some lamps.
Clean it up - Make sure the inside is warm, clean, clutter-free and smells inviting - candles, wax pots and plugins are great, but don't overdo it. And remember, your entrance is the first thing your potential buyer will see, so NO boots and jackets piled up by the door and your closets should be organized, not stuffed with everything you usually hang up on your hooks or leave on the boot rack. You don’t want your house remembered as the cold house with no closet space and the faint smell of yesterday's dinner or cat litter.
Any time you have a viewing or open house, consider it your one chance to showcase all your home has to offer. Winter might seem like an impossible time to sell your house, but when you put your home’s best foot forward, it can be done! Happy buying and selling Fort McMurray!
