We all “know” that winter is not the optimal time to sell your home in Canada. Plummeting temperatures, frost on the car windows and snow on the ground are all a deterrent to buyers. Or, at least they used to be.

Over the last few years, real estate has become unpredictable. No one can say there is any one “best” time to sell. In fact, we’ve seen years where more homes sold in the winter than in the traditionally busy spring market!

There’s no denying that listing your home during the colder months comes with a few extra challenges. It starts with making your space more appealing for the buyer to help close the deal. If you want to enjoy a fast sale with the maximum profit, begin by sprucing up your home with these 7 tips for winter showings.

A successful sale in any season starts with knowing how much your home is worth in the current market. Book your complimentary evaluation right here.

Clear Snow and Ice

Safety is paramount when selling during the winter months. It’s not a good sign when your potential buyer“falls” in love with your home due to an icy patch! Clearing snow and ice from the pathway, sidewalk and driveway won’t just help to prevent injuries, but it will also make your home look inviting and well cared for. Keeping the outside clear will actually help you maintain a tidy interior since less slush will track inside your house.

Even if the snow is still falling, keep on top of your driveway and front walkway with regular shovelling, sanding and salting. This is a simple step that will go a long way to impressing potential buyers, especially if the last house they viewed was a sloppy mess.

You can rise to any home selling challenge when you know how! The posts below will give you some tips to overcome the odds:

• Why Sellers Hesitate to List Their Homes for Sale
• Why Did My Neighbour’s House Sell but Mine Didn’t?
• Why Am I Not Getting Offers on My Home?

Allow as Much Light as Possible Into Your Home

Buyers love a house filled with natural light. Unfortunately, daylight tends to be in shorter supply during the winter compared to other seasons. A few creative strategies will keep your home well lit and looking warm and inviting.

Start by ensuring all lights are on during showings, including appliance and closet lights. During the day, open the blinds and drapes. Turn off all televisions, computers and anything else that could be a distraction. As a final touch, add some spotlights behind furniture to brighten up any rooms that are naturally darker.

Keep Your Home a Cozy Temperature

Potential buyers want to see and feel themselves living in your home. A freezing house can be a significant deterrent, so make sure the heat is turned on so they feel warm and comfortable. We want to encourage them to linger and ask questions.

An insider tip is to turn the thermostat up a little higher than normal so that the furnace does not kick in when potential buyers are in the home. One reason is a higher temperature will help compensate for doors and windows opening and closing as buyers explore your space. Another reason is that some HVAC systems are quite loud and could become a red flag for a buyer.

Make Your Home Look and Feel Inviting

Turning your home into a cozy oasis from the cold and slushy weather outside will enhance its appeal to most potential buyers. A few simple decor ideas can add warmth and atmosphere!

Toss decorative throws across the couch, place wintry flowers around the home and set up your dining room table for a fancy dinner for two. If you have a fireplace, be sure it’s running before visitors come through. These minor details can all create an irresistible ambiance and help potential buyers envision themselves living here!

An experienced real estate agent is a resource you don’t want to be without when selling your home this winter. Learn how to find the right expert in the posts below:

• Should You Use the Same Agent to Sell and Buy a House?
• Fact Vs Fiction About Working With A Real Estate Agent
• FSBO vs Real Estate Agent Assisted Sales: What’s Better?

Avoid Heavy Scents

Adding scents to a home is one piece of advice that is hotly contested by many real estate experts. On the one hand, a subtle yet pleasant aroma can have a positive effect on potential buyers.

However, keep in mind that many people have allergies or sensitivities to strong perfumes, candles or scents, so use them with caution, if at all. We recommend that you avoid spraying air deodorizers or using candles and plug-ins.

Also, think twice about cooking or baking right before potential buyers arrive so that the smell does not fill the home. Not everyone has the same tastes, and the last thing you want is to turn off a buyer because they’re distracted by the aroma of your sourdough in the oven. Often, the fresh scent of a clean and well-maintained home is all it takes to make a positive impression in the wintertime.

Keep Your Home Clean

Keeping your house spotless can be challenging in the winter, but it’s important to stay on top of it as much as possible. If everyone chips in, maintaining a tidy space will be easier. Daily and weekly checklists can help keep your house show-worthy with minimal effort. Here are a few tasks to pay extra attention to:

• Make sure all windows are clean inside and out.
• Dust all furniture, ceiling fans and ceiling fixtures.
• Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.
• Bleach dingy grout if necessary.
• Polish water faucets.
• Clean out the fridge.
• Empty the garbage and recycling bins.
• Keep the carpets and floors clean with daily vacuuming and washing.

It’s the little things that matter when preparing your home for the market. Learn how to get results in the posts below:

• Minor Upgrades, Maximum Results
• Are DIY Upgrades Ever a Good Idea When Selling Your Home?
• Worth It or Not? What Renovations Really Help When Selling Your Home

Use Modern Technology

There’s no question that modern technology is making all of our lives easier, including when the time comes to sell your home! Connecting lamps to a smart plug can ensure that proper lighting is consistent throughout your home, a nice touch for last-minute showings.

A motion sensor to light up your porch and entranceway when buyers approach the front door is another great idea. If you really want to impress potential buyers, consider adding a smart thermostat to automate your temperature control. All of these details may not seem like much. However, they can help your listing stand out when you bring them all together.

Are you planning to sell your home this winter? Expert guidance will improve the chances of a successful, quick sale with less stress. Reach out to us right here or call 905-332-9223 with any questions you may have.