Wood pellet exports double
Nearly $500K for car crash
Mounties won't be charged
Minister defends right to bail
Vise grips as steering wheel
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New US rules for airlines 
Historic Trump hearing 
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Big loss for Boeing 
Metro sales edged higher
Retail sales slip 
Warriors snakebitten in loss
Iginla off to Europe
Rockets ink prospect
Perry teams with Lu Kala
Megan denies harassment
Swift ‘one of the family’
If you are selling your home, you may have heard that selling your home in the winter time is almost impossible, for a variety of reasons. Although it may be a challenge to sell your home in times of typically slower sales, do not get discouraged, it can be done! And done well! There are ways in which you can maximize your home selling potential in the winter.
The key is to present a first impression that will last even after the potential buyers have left, and turn them into active buyers. Even the slightest discomfort will turn those potential buyers away and on to the next house to view. You can avoid these pitfalls by following just a few simple steps:
1. Sure the weather is less than desirable when there is a foot of snow on the ground, but that does not mean that your potential buyers need to see or feel that when they arrive to view your home. Make sure that your driveway and walkways are clear of any snow, ice, or other obstacles. You want to make sure that your home is accessible and clean looking. In addition, many buyers will not even waste their time getting out of their car if they have to hike through snow, just to get to the door.
2. When showing your home to potential buyers, keep in mind that they have probably been viewing multiple homes. That involves multiple trips in and out of cars and other homes. It is best to keep your home a little cooler than normal, as your potential buyer may be slightly overheated from all of the traveling around. This will make them feel more comfortable when they arrive at your home and are more likely to take their time looking around and asking questions, than trying to get in and out because they are uncomfortable.
3. You know that lighting is key when showing your home. It can be critical, as it tends to open up a room and make it seem and feel more appealing and homey. Typically during the winter months, there is less natural light, therefore, you must utilize other lighting to make sure that your rooms stay well lit and still present the welcome home feeling.
4. It is a given that every person coming to view your home will have some wet boots or shoes. Be sure to provide a specific area for those wet boots and shoes. Keep the area clean and free of water, so people are not stepping in water puddles and other uncomfortable situations. This will show functionality and organization within your home and show that you are thoughtful.
Selling your home in the winter time is not impossible, with a little help from the information above. In fact, you can be very successful in doing so as there are less homes on the market to compete with yours. Also, those buyers who are out looking in the middle of winter are definitely not lookie-loos, you can be guaranteed they are serious buyers!
So go ahead and show your home in the winter time. Show your potential buyers how this oasis from the cold can be theirs!
This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
