It may not feel like it outside with daily high temperatures in the 50′s but winter began last week. Unusually warm weather during the winter months always seems to bring out the buyers so we have been busier than we expected to be the past three weeks which is just fine with us. That said I fully expect winter to be upon us with all of its fury before we know it. Does cold weather mean that we stop selling houses, not at all, but it does create special challenges for sellers. Here are a few tips to help make your house a hot property even when it’s cold outside;
Keep it warm. You may normally turn down the temperature while you are away at work or on vacation in Florida but trying to save a a few dollars on your heat bill can be especially short sighted when you are trying to sell your house. When we get a potential buyer into your house we want them to feel that they don’t want to leave not that they want to get back to the car where its warm just as soon as possible. Do the math, save $50 or $75 a month on your heating bill versus adding two or three extra months of mortgage payments waiting for spring.
Keep it clear. Most folks realize that they need to keep the driveway clear of snow so that buyers can get to the house without trudging through snow drifts but what you may not think of is that a clear driveway and sidewalk actually adds to the winter curb appeal of your property. Just like a green manicured lawn in summer speaks volumes about a house so does a spotlessly clear driveway in winter. The buyer may have left behind a half shoveled ice covered mess at home but they arrive at your house and step out of their car onto clear concrete they will already feel good about the thought of living there. If you hire someone to take care of the snow removal chore make certain they know that you want driveways and sidewalks cleared to full width along with the rear patio / deck and any sidewalk that leads around the house.
Keep it bright. This time of year it is dark by 5:00 pm, just about the time that many people have a chance to come and look at your house. If you are occupying the house and are leaving to accomodate a showing make certain to turn on lights before you go. Don’t forget the exterior lights both front and back. If the house is vacant and you have rooms with out ceiling light fixtures leave behind floor lamps plugged into switched wall outlets. If buyers have to stumble around in the dark in search of a light switch that room just might get passed by and maybe your house as well.
Keep it tasteful. Holiday decorations can add a lovely warm touch to your home in the middle of a cold winter but too much of anything can be a turn off for buyers. Remember that even though your furnishings and decorations will of course be removed when you sell your house they have a significant impact on the way that a buyer looks at your property. Maybe this is the year that you leave the front yard lighted plastic reindeer in the attic.
Houses sell in Omaha and Lincoln every week of the year and there is no reason why you can’t sell yours in January or February. Remember whether buying or selling, moving up or downsizing, Lincoln or Omaha, we stand ready to assist you, your family, friends and co-workers. Give us a phone call or drop us an email message today.
