Winter is finally here.
After a very nice, pleasant autumn in Grand Rapids (and Michigan overall), the snow has arrived. Hopefully, you’re looking forward to sledding, cocoa, and holiday time with family.
However, if you’re trying to sell your house fast, this can be a stressful time. After all, who buys a house in a Michigan winter?
Fear not. There ARE fewer buyers in the winter months, but also fewer sellers. So if you need to get your home sold quickly, you can still get good results. What are the keys to a successful home sale in the winter?
1. Access and Ease
When potential buyers visit a house for sale, they want to see a comfortable place. They want to feel safe in the area, and to choose a place they can call home.
So your first goal is to make it easy for your visitors to move around. Make sure you have a clear place for them to park, and that the driveway is shoveled. Use salt (or other de-icers) to make sure your front porch isn’t slippery. And make sure there are no dangerous-looking icicles around your gutters!
This applies to every part of the house. If you have a back door, make sure it is accessible. If you have a gated yard, make sure the gate opens and closes easily. If the buyer gets their ankles wet just moving around your property, they may leave with a bad impression.
2. Warmth and Welcome
Once they’re inside, your visitors should feel like they just stepped into their new home. This translates to a few key elements. First, turn up the heat! You don’t want them to roast, but your house should be comfortable and warm. After the cold outdoor temperatures, this will be a welcome change.
Secondly, open up all of the window shades, and let in as much light as possible. Winter can be very dark here in Grand Rapids, and maximizing your brightness gives your home a fresh look.
Since there are so few hours of daylight, leave the exterior lights on, and turn on extra lamps inside. This will allow the buyers to see everything more clearly, no matter the time of day.
If possible, offer your guests hot chocolate or coffee. They may have had a long day looking at houses, schools, or neighborhoods, and it is a kind gesture that will leave a nice impression.
3. Know your Stuff
In the winter, people tend to ask more questions about mechanical systems. They will often want to know about your furnace, or your attic insulation.
Have this information ready for them. The top 5 systems people will ask about are:
- Foundation
- HVAC (Heating/Cooling)
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Roof
In the winter, also expect questions on insulation, your water heater, and your windows.
If you have good information available, it will put the buyers at ease. If possible, get a pre-inspection report drafted for them – this is even better. These key elements can put your house above the rest, and help you sell your house fast.
4. Clear the Clutter
Homes tend to fill up in the winter. Whether it’s holiday decorations, gifts for family, extra baking supplies, or outdoor equipment moved in for storage, there is just more ‘stuff’ around.
Make sure that your house doesn’t feel overstuffed when visitors come through. Make sure they have ample space to move around and check the place out. If necessary, use your garage, attic, a friend’s house, or even a self-storage unit to keep your house clutter-free. Many people ignore this tip, but it makes a huge difference.
So jump in, and sell your house fast… even in a Michigan winter!