Just because the weather is cooling off doesn’t mean the market has to do the same. Spring is typically the best time to list your home, but if you missed out on the height of buying season, it’s still possible to sell your home at a great price. Here are six secrets to selling your home this season.
1. Use photos from warmer months.
If possible, have a photographer take photos of your property in the spring or summer. A bright exterior and fresh, lush landscaping is much more attractive to buyers than dead trees, no grass and piles of snow.
2. Don’t forget about curb appeal.
When the temperature drops, many homeowners tend to forget about the outside of their homes. But if your home is on the market, it’s important to keep up the curb appeal. Even if the weather keeps you from planting colorful flowers, be sure to at least mow the lawn, rake the leaves and clear any dead plants.
3. Check your heating system.
Most homeowners don’t catch problems with their heating systems until the first chill of winter prompts them to turn it on. Before the cold weather hits, make sure your heating system is working properly to avoid a “no heat” situation during a showing.
4. Light it up.
As the sun begins to set earlier, we spend more of our day in the dark. Bring brightness and warmth to your home both inside and out with extra lamps and landscape lighting. Well-lit rooms look larger and more inviting, so this can be a beneficial selling point.
5. Be flexible.
The start of the school year can mean chaos for many, from school functions to sporting events to band concerts. Do your best to accommodate potential buyers’ showing requests, hopefully leading to a speedier sale.
6. Use seasonal décor, but not too much.
Tastefully placed seasonal decorations can work in your favor, adding comfort and coziness to your home. However, be careful not to overdo it with tacky knick knacks and an overabundance of lawn decorations. Buyers will only see clutter, which can be a major turnoff.
