5 Real Estate Tips to Prepare Your Home for Winter Showings

Selling your home during the winter months can be slower than selling during the peak season—but that doesn’t mean you should wait. There are benefits to selling during this time, like less competition from other sellers and, oftentimes, better deals on everything moving-related. However, there are some considerations specific to winter that you keep in mind, especially as you’re preparing to show your house. Here’s what they are:

1. Curb appeal says it all.

First impressions matter all year round, but during the winter, you’ll need to pay extra attention. This is a time when your landscaping may not naturally look its best and your outdoor space might feel a little neglected. Here are some key actions that will help:

• Keep walkways clear.

• Clean up leaves, branches, and debris. 

• Keep outdoor decorations simple and tasteful to avoid clutter.

• Add winter-friendly plants for a pop of color.

• Ensure proper outdoor lighting to combat shorter days.

• Make sure your home’s exterior walls and windows are clean.

2. Keep it cozy.

Anyone who comes into your home from out in the cold should feel an immediate sense of relief. That means you should keep it warm—but not stifling. Other tips to cozify your home include baking something before a showing (cookies, anyone?) to fill your home with tasty smells and adding soft textiles wherever you can. Try chunky-knit blankets on your sofa and plush throw pillows on beds to make your space feel like home.

3. Let in natural light.

Winter days are shorter and often gloomier than their peak season counterparts, so maximizing natural light is even more crucial than usual. What can you do?

• Open all curtains and blinds.

• Get your windows professionally cleaned.

• Add accent mirrors across from natural light sources.

For areas that lack natural light, don’t be afraid to add artificial. Go for soft, warm-toned bulbs, and strategically place floor and table lamps in darker corners to eliminate shadows. This will help make your space feel larger and more inviting, even if the weather is dreary.

4. Stage for the season.

Staging your home is always important to help buyers imagine themselves enjoying the space as their own. This includes removing personal items like family photos, clearing clutter, and maximizing your layout with furniture placement. There are also a few staging tips specific to winter that will help your home stand out from the rest. These are:

• Decorate with seasonal touches. Incorporate subtle winter decorations, like candles or holiday-themed centerpieces, to evoke a sense of warmth and festivity without overwhelming the space.

• Highlight functional features. If your home has a fireplace, make sure it’s clean and working. Lighting it during showings is a great way to create a focal point and help buyers imagine themselves living in your home.

5. Pay special attention to safety and comfort.

Safety and comfort are, again, always important—but buyers might be particularly concerned about these items during months of colder weather. Here are some additional tips:

• Tune up your heating system. Before showings, make sure that your heating system is working as well as possible. Been a while since you had it serviced? Do that ASAP—and feel free to include it as a selling point!

• Highlight insulation and more. If your home has energy-efficient insulation or windows, be sure to mention these features during showings (and in your listing itself). Buyers often gravitate toward homes that can help reduce heating costs in winter months.

• Create a safe and inviting entryway. In addition to clearing walkways, make sure your entryway is clean and comfortable. Add a rug to prevent slipping if you don’t have one already, and include a spot for buyers to hang coats, hats, and all their other winter attire. 

• Provide warm beverages. As a final tip, offer warm drinks like cocoa, coffee, or hot cider to up the comfort level and help buyers feel at home.

Pro Tip: Remember, you're not just selling a house—you're selling a winter sanctuary where memories will be made.

By implementing these strategies, you can make your home appealing even during the cold, dreary months. Motivated buyers are often looking for homes during this time of year, so presenting your property well can lead to a successful sale no matter the season.

Good luck!