Why Sell in the Winter…

Why sell in the winter…

Many times, when working with clients, a seller may ask “Why should I sell my home during the cold winter months in Minnesota?” The concern usually focuses on a slowing trend in the real estate market. Yes, it’s true, the number of homes on the market tends to drop and the number of home sales decreases. That being said, just because there are fewer options doesn’t change the fact that people still need to buy homes. The things that lead people to make new home purchases — a new job, a growing family, up- or downsizing — happen all year round. Fewer homes on the market means less competition, making your home stand out even more! Also, the slower pace of the industry allows for sellers to take their time in accepting an offer. The seller tends to receive a final price that is closer to the initial asking price. You can also present your home in a way you may not be able to do during the spring and summer months. Here are a few winter staging ideas to make your home “showing ready”!

Adorn the entryway A wreath on the front door, Christmas lights and a garland hung on the doorframe or front porch present a welcoming entry. Plant urns with festive greenery, the fuller the better: along with cedar or pine boughs, tuck in sprigs of holly, dried berries, magnolia leaves, corkscrew hazel or red osier branches, with silver ball ornaments and perhaps gold wire ribbon woven through the arrangement.

Light a fire If you have a wood-burning fireplace, light a fire and let it glow during the showing. Put big, colourful poinsettias in each main room, including the kitchen. Consider more modest winter flower arrangements or amaryllis blooms in other rooms such as the bathroom and master bedroom. Decorate banisters and mantels with pine garlands (natural ones impart a wonderful, nostalgic fragrance); a decorated and lit Christmas tree enhances an image of home and family.

Light candles Romance visitors’ sense of smell by lighting fragrant candles or placing bowls of potpourri in main rooms. A time-honored but still effective trick, especially on a cold winter’s day, is to have a pot of cider simmering on the stove, or cookies or fresh bread baking in the oven.

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