Though some people may think that winter is the worst time to sell or buy a home, they couldn’t be more wrong. In fact, if you review the numbers, you’ll find that a good percentage of homes are sold during the winter months. Not to mention, we’re located in Southern California, where it’s warm year-round, so seasons don’t matter here.
So, are you wondering if you should wait until spring to sell your home? Ask yourself this instead – why wait? You might be surprised to know that there are some advantages to selling your home in the winter. It turns out all you must know is how to prepare your house!
Why Sell a Home in the Winter?
Before we get into how to prepare to sell your house in winter, let’s look at why you should do so.
There is no Season on the Internet
Most of us know that many buyers search for homes online, regardless of the outdoor temperature. It’s estimated that 93 percent of buyers use the internet during their home search these days. And this instant access to available properties has impacted the typical home-buying seasons.
Buyers are Serious
Many folks are engaging in other activities during the winter months. So, it’s said that buyers who are breaking away from holiday schedules to view homes are serious buyers. The truth is that many winter home buyers are working against the clock, whether it’s relocation, the contract on their current house, or an expiring lease.
Time Off
You would think that most people are less likely to tour homes in the middle of the busy holiday season. While this can certainly be true for some people, others only have time off near the holidays. This means that’s when these folks have time to browse homes, shop for decor, and schedule home viewings.
Tips for Selling a House in Winter
Nothing says welcome home quite like walking into a cozy, welcoming house. Though Southern California is not affected by typical winter weather, making your house feel more like a home in the wintertime is important. Here are some of our favorite tips for setting the winter selling mood:
- Keep Decor Simple
When selling around the holiday season, it’s crucial to ensure that decorations are accents and do not overpower the room. Less is definitely more when selling your home decorated for Christmas. - Make it Cozy
If your home has a fireplace, light a fire, play soft holiday background music, and prepare mulled cider or fresh-baked goods for your guests. - Shine Lights Outside
It gets dark earlier in the winter. Help brighten the property with outdoor spotlights. - Take Down Outdoor Decor
Nothing will stop your home from selling quite like an inflatable Santa on your lawn in February. If the holidays are over, remove all signs around the property.
Remember, when selling a home, first impressions are everything – and this is especially true in the winter! Take your time and ensure that everything is done in a tasteful and minimalist style. After all, you want the house to be the focal point, not the holiday spirit.
Are you in the market to buy or sell a home this winter? Contact us at Eastland Escrows and let us help ensure the transaction is carried out properly. We’ll help you every step of the way to ensure that no deeds or funds are transferred until every detail is complete!
ABOUT EASTLAND ESCROWS IN COVINA, CALIFORNIA
If you’re a real estate agent or broker representing buyers and sellers. Or, if you are considering buying or selling a home, please consider calling Eastland Escrows, Inc. to manage the escrow account. We are an independent escrow company based in Covina, CA serving Southern California since 1973. With more than 100 years of combined experience, we pride ourselves in working like a dog on behalf of all our clients! We have closed thousands of escrow transactions from real estate sales and refinances to business sales and mobile homes.
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