Winter is typically the slow season for real estate. The weather’s nasty, people just aren’t out house hunting, and there are all those holiday activities keeping people busy.
Still, some realtors advise selling during the winter. Buyers have a greater sense of urgency to buy a house, and, on average, sellers net more above the asking price during winter months, even in some cold-weather areas. All you have to do, then, is avoid these 5 mistakes you’re making if you want to sell your house during the winter in Columbia.
5 Mistakes You’re Making if You Want to Sell Your House During the Winter in Columbia
1. Failing to Clear a Path
If potential buyers can’t easily and safely get to your front door, they will probably just drive right on by. And don’t think you can bring them in a more-protected secondary entrance. For 95% of homes, the best presentation is through the front door.
So keep the walkways and entry areas clear of ice and snow. Not only does it make a home more attractive to buyers during winter, but it also protects you legally in case of an accident.
2. Not Cleaning Windows
In the summertime when there’s plenty of sunshine and less cloud cover, cleaning windows isn’t that critical. But it becomes far more important if you want to sell your house in Columbia during the winter. A bright interior puts prospective buyers in a more receptive mood and makes your home look more appealing.
Keep in mind, too, that with the foliage off the trees, every speck of dirt and every smudge and stain on the outside of your windows is visible.cJust a little elbow grease here will do a lot to help sell your house in Columbia during the winter.
3. Using Scents and Not Eradicating Odors
During the winter, houses are closed up tight, trapping every smell inside. On top of that, many people – potential buyers, in this case – are allergic to some scents and deodorizers, and others find certain odors highly offensive.
So to increase your winter home-selling odds, don’t burn scented candles or spray air freshener. Also, try to eradicate other other smells like pet and cooking odors. This may seem minor to you, but it really is a concern for some people.
4. Using the Wrong Listing Photos
You may be listing and trying to sell your house in Columbia during the winter, but you don’t have to use only winter photos for listing purposes. Listing photos showing a front yard full of slushy snow and icicles hanging from the eaves just won’t be all that appealing to potential buyers. So try to use some photos taken during spring or summer.
You will, of course, have to use some photos that display your house to best advantage during the season in which you’re trying to sell. But you can also mix in some that show beautiful lush lawns and attractive gardens in full bloom.
5. Letting the Seasonal Slowdown Get You Down
Finally, don’t get down because of the slow seasonal market and settle for less than you have to. Remember, during the winter, buyers often have a greater sense of urgency to close, and you can often net more. Even though the weather may not be favorable, buyers are still out there actively looking for a house, and buyers are always shopping online.
Selling your home can be a lengthy, frustrating process in any season, but it doesn’t have to be inevitably worse in winter. Just avoid these mistakes in order to sell your house in Columbia during the winter.