Despite the fact that we’re in the middle of a pandemic, the local real estate market is hot!
It is speculated that people are continuing to upsize or moving out of the city because so many are working from home or just spending more time there, given the limitations on activities right now. Under the circumstances, a lot of people are commuting less and many would like to keep it that way!
Generally, the real estate market starts to slow down by around mid-November with the approaching holiday season. But given the trend so far this year, that may not be the case. If you are seriously considering putting your home up for sale this coming winter, here are a few things that you need to know:
Winter is a great time to sell:
Because there is typically less inventory during the winter, those who are out looking are serious buyers. If yours is one of the limited listings available, then you will have their attention with a lot less noise.
Home appeal matters:
Curb appeal tends to suffer during the winter months because of the lack of flower beds and greenery. Since everything tends to look brown and dull, be sure to keep the front and back yards tidy and clear of any fallen leaves, dead plants or withered shrubs. Add some evergreen plants to brighten up the front of your house and put out some pretty and tasteful seasonal winter-themed planters.
Equally important is inside of the home. Colder months bring out coats, hats and boots. Be sure to keep all of yours hung neatly in the closet and avoid loading up the coat rack and the front entrance. Make sure you mop up any wet patches in your entry hall and leave a boot tray at the door for potential buyers.
Oh Baby It’s Cold Outside:
If you have a gas or electric fireplace, turn it on for showings. On those cold days, buyers will welcome the warmth and coziness that a nice fire will bring. If you have a wood burning fireplace and your agent will be there to monitor the fire during the showing, then set one up. A warm fire typically brings fond memories and it’s a great way to help buyers make an emotional connection to the home.
Darkness Is Not Your Friend:
Natural daylight is something that we all miss during the winter months. Make sure your house is well lit inside and out. Open all the curtains and blinds wide, and make sure your windows are as clean as possible. Use brighter light bulbs to imitate daylight and turn on ALL lights in the house before a showing. A house will look more spacious when it is well lit.
Easy On The Holiday Décor:
Decking out your entire house with holiday décor is not recommended. Not everyone celebrates Christmas and sometimes, you can have too much of a good thing. Small doses of tasteful holiday décor for your own enjoyment is okay but don’t overdo it. Go for a natural look with muted colours.
When photographing the property for the MLS, avoid holiday décors altogether. In the event that it takes a few months for your property to sell, you do not want your photos to look dated and scream that the listing is stale.
Mind these key tips and you’ll be all set for a successful sale in a quieter but much more effective selling season. Of course, staging is a key marketing tactic that is effective no matter the season.
About iSO Design™
iSO Design™ offers professional home appeal solutions in the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding areas. Whether your home improvement goal is to live, love or sell iSO Design makes it easy and will help you get there quickly, effectively and on budget. We’ll give you peace of mind – and the WOW factor you’re looking for. For information on our redesign, home staging or home organization services, visit isodesign.ca or call (416)-993-0131
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