Is everyone telling you, “No one sells in winter,” and “Wait ’til spring: you’ll have a better chance of selling then?” The reality is, winter is actually a pretty good time to sell.
With fewer properties on the market during winter, buyers who are genuinely looking will still be out and about. And your home, if presented properly, will gauge plenty of interest. Buyer demand at the moment remains strong, so there’s still time to capitalise on the record house prices that we’ve seen over the past two years,
Even though the weather is cold and gloomy, it doesn’t mean your home has to be. Regardless of the cold, here are some hot tips for selling your home during Adelaide’s wintery months.
1. Make an impression
Regardless of the season, first impressions count. Your house should look the best in the street, so get rid of any rubbish, leaves, weeds, and fallen branches. Don’t forget to give the driveway a good sweep and check the gutter for any wayward weeds. A layer of fresh mulch will also work wonders to spruce up the garden.
If your front door looks a bit tired, a fresh coat of paint will cheer the place up no end. While you’re at it, touch up those little spots around the house that you’ve meant to do for ages.
Head to your local garden centre and grab some potted colour to brighten the front yard even more. There are plenty of winter flowers in bloom that you can use to decorate the front yard and make your home more welcoming.
2. Keep it warm and toasty
Nothing says, ‘Welcome’ more than a warm, cosy home. Whatever heating you have, make sure it’s working and that your home is a haven for warding off the winter chills.
Open fires are a nice have to create a welcoming ambience but don’t forget the outdoor areas. If you have a fire pit or pizza oven, have these roaring so the buyers can see the warmth extends to the outside of the property.
3. Out with stale, in with the fresh
Like many of us, your house has probably been shut up to keep the cold out. But a couple hours of fresh air before an inspection will ensure the property doesn’t smell stale or musty. Throw open the windows and turn on the ceiling fans to fill your home with fresh air. Just remember to leave enough time to warm the place up again before your open.
4. Let there be light
Wintery, overcast skies can make everything gloomy so use these tricks to brighten things up. Turn on all the lights, and if necessary, swap those low-watt globes for brighter ones. Add light to those dark corners with some standing lamps, and turn on your bedside lamps in the bedrooms.
Throw open the curtains and blinds and check the windows. Could they do with a clean? How about any skylights? And don’t forget to raise any exterior awnings to let in even more light.
5. Clean, clear, and cosy
It goes without saying that your home needs to be clean and tidy to showcase its best features. Give everything a really good dust, clean the floors, and wipe down all surfaces. Declutter as much as possible inside and out. Remember, no one wants to see junk everywhere.
Inside, make the place as cosy as possible by adding warm colours and earthy textures throughout. Think cushions and heavy throws on beds and sofas, fresh flowers, and perhaps a colourful rug over floor tiles in the living areas. You might even consider replacing artwork in your home with pieces that have warmer hues.
Outside, create the impression of year-round living by brightening up outdoor living spaces with patio heating and warm throws and cushions on alfresco furniture.
Finally, welcome mats at the front and back doors ensure your home will stay reasonably clean and mud-free during the inspection. An umbrella stand and coat rack will also put people at ease about entering and demonstrate that the property is well-cared for.
6. Your Real Estate agent is your all-weather friend
Possibly the most crucial part of any checklist for selling your home is to make sure you have a professional and experienced real estate agent on your team.
They’ve sold dozens of properties in all seasons, so they know what works and what doesn’t. They will also advise you on how to stage your home to engage buyer interest and may even suggest some additional options or working with a staging specialist.
And because they’ll take the time to get to know you and your property, they’ll be invaluable in talking up your home and the benefits of living in the local area.
The professional sales team at McGrath Real Estate Group can help you sell your home. They know how to get the best out of your property, and, importantly, get an excellent price for your home during Adelaide’s cold months.
Phone our office on
8350 4200, drop into
42 Brighton Road, Glenelg.