We know the drill, the cooler months creep in and we begin to hibernate, well not like bears do, but we draw the curtains earlier, watch more Netflix and potentially start scrolling online, looking for somewhere else to live.
Sure, there is a lot of opinions on the best time of year to sell, with Spring and Summer being more favourable based on perceptions, but there are benefits to selling in Autumn and Winter that you might not realise.
We know that prospective buyers in winter as serious buyers. They often more motivated because they have to move, for various reasons, a job change, or family circumstances such as a baby on the way, whatever the case, they mean business and ready to act.
Winter is a great time to showcase the cosy feel of your home, tugging at the buyers’ heart strings. A warm, dry house invites these serious buyers to imagine feeling at home, cosied up on a winter’s night.
Selling in winter can get you a higher price. There is generally less inventory during winter leaving buyers will less choice and if your home is competitively priced, buyers will be less inclined to negotiate if they feel they are getting a fair price.
If you’re in a great location, close to sought-after schools, the beach or neighbourly villages, winter will not deter your buyers. If the house is inviting in winter, then it will be fabulous in summer.
In New Zealand, we have fewer public holidays during winter, this could reduce the settlement period resulting in less delays so you can get the paperwork out the way and move on sooner.
As winter is considered a slow season in real estate, you’ll have your real estate agent’s full attention. They’ll want to sell your home and work hard for you, making you a top priority. You’ll be listed in all the right places and your home will attract the right buyers. Ask your real estate agent for sales figures in your area during autumn and winter in the past and discuss the best times for open homes, taking into consideration the shorter daylight hours.
You want to ensure your property looks attraction and easy to maintain, here are a few tips to best present your home during winter:
- Give the garden a spruce up. Sweep up leaves and waterblast if needed to ensure the pathways and driveways are free of any moss. Curb appeal is very important as first impressions last, ensure you capture the buyer attention before they even approach the house.
- Declutter the house and garage. This applies to any time of year, but it’s easy to stuff the outdoor cushions in a pile in the garage without a thought.
- Turn on the heating to a comfortable temperature, and if you have an energy efficient home be sure to include the information in the marketing brochure.
- Sometimes a new letterbox or some colourful pots with flowers won’t go amiss to brighten the space and add to the appeal.
- And lastly, make the entrance welcoming open home guests. A place to leave their shoes out of the rain and somewhere to hang raincoats or umbrellas.
You have nothing to lose selling your home in winter. There might be fewer potential buyers but they are quality buyers ready to purchase.
If you’re preparing to sell but wondering when is the best time, give me a call and we can discuss some options.