Selling your Toronto home during the winter may seem counterintuitive. Who wants to risk the possibility of moving in the middle of a snowstorm? There’s a reason so many people wait until the spring when the weather warms up. The question now is, should you go with the crowd or follow your own path?
The truth is that a winter sale can be a strategic move if you plan it just right. Sticking to the traditional path of a spring sale also means lots of competition from competing sellers. Buyers can and do take their time to decide when they have multiple options to choose from.
Fewer homes are typically available in the winter. Even though there may also be fewer buyers, those that are in the market are usually eager and ready to find the right house now. For whatever reason, they can’t or don’t want to wait, which can give you a competitive advantage.
All the same, selling your home during the snowy season does come with its own set of challenges. First and foremost, there’s what can be the daunting task of keeping your house clean. In this post, we’ll give you some pointers to help you keep your home show-worthy and capture the attention of those highly motivated buyers.
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Safety Comes First
Snow and ice aren’t just hazardous to the cleanliness of your home, but they could also lead to slips and falls if you’re not careful. A broken leg or twisted ankle is no way to create the best first impression! Thus, keeping your driveways, all walkways, and especially any outdoor stairs clear and salted is non-negotiable.
With safety concerns taken care of, you can now turn your attention to creating beautiful winter curb appeal. A little seasonal decor against a backdrop of snow can be breathtaking. If buyers come through during a warm spell, you may be able to add colour and life to your yard with some hearty evergreens. If in doubt, a few tasteful faux plants or flowers can’t hurt!
One of the best ways to enhance your home’s exterior is with the generous use of outdoor lighting. The days are shorter, nights come earlier, and there’s nothing like some twinkling fairy lights or garden torches to illuminate your pathways.
It doesn’t hurt to weatherproof your home, whether you plan to sell or not. The posts below can help you stay warm and cozy this season:
- Toronto Homeowners: Here’s How to Thrive This Winter
- Winter is Coming! How to Make Your House Feel Like Home as the Weather Turns
- Fabulous Lighting – Illuminate Your Home on Any Budget
Mess Proof Your Entranceways
Cleanliness is the key to selling your home for top dollar during any season. Unfortunately, keeping everything spotless during slushy and sloppy weather is extra challenging. Not to worry; however, you just need a plan to work with the weather, not against it.
You already know that soggy feet are inevitable no matter what. With your home on the market, you can expect even more people traipsing in and out of your house. You might as well be prepared to ward off these sloppy messes right at the door.
Investing in a fancy coat tree can make for a warm welcome as soon as a buyer steps in. The added benefit of having a place for heavy jackets, hats, and scarves is almost an afterthought! If space is lacking, you can always opt for multiple layers of coat hooks on the interior side of the front door. A place for everything means less of a chance these items get tossed on the nearest couch.
A water-resistant mat right by all entrances is an absolute must. It will help you keep mud off your hardwood or carpet and save you from constantly mopping and vacuuming. Plus, having a designated spot for footwear will encourage potential buyers to take their shoes off at the door. If you can get this far, keeping the rest of the house show-worthy will be easy by comparison.
Focus on Energy Efficiency
A few strategic repairs and upgrades can go a long way in making your home more appealing to buyers any time of the year, especially in the winter. The colder months can be hard on your furnace, so a tune-up of your HVAC systems may be in order. You want each potential buyer to feel warm and comfortable as they tour your home.
Now is also a good time to examine your doors and windows to ensure they are sealed properly. This shows buyers they can expect agreeable temperatures all year long by keeping the warmth in during the winter and out during the summer.
Minor details like these could have a subconscious effect on a buyer’s perceived value of your home. If you’re paying attention to the little things, you must surely be on top of the bigger issues. Your real estate agent can review the condition of your house so you’ll know what repairs will make a difference before it goes on the market.
If you need to maximize your home sale this winter, the tips and tricks in the following posts can help:
- Is Staging Your House to Sell Still a Good Idea?
- Secrets of Selling When the Market Is Not on Your Side
- What Is the Value of a Pre-Listing Inspection When Selling in Toronto?
Create a Cozy Ambiance
Now that your house is clean and well-maintained, you can start looking for creative ways to polish your presentation for the winter. Everything should exude a warm, welcoming ambiance for all prospective buyers. If you have a fireplace, be sure it’s on during showings, especially when the temperature dips into the minuses. LED candles are safe, inexpensive, and can add a cozy feel while brightening up dark spaces.
For added effect, you may even consider investing in some smart technology, like a smart thermostat and a few smart plugs to control the heating and lighting. When your home appears warm, well-maintained, and fully up-to-date, buyers are more likely to want to call it their own.
Are you looking for more tips on selling your home in any season? Our experienced Toronto real estate agents are happy to share their expertise! Contact us today at 416.443.0300 or email Erica@EricaReddy.com with any questions.
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