As we head into the heart of winter in Illinois, it’s hard to imagine wanting to do anything but cuddle up under a blanket and wait for spring. But for many homeowners, they are spending the winter trying to sell their home.
Winter can be a hard time of year to sell your home, but it’s absolutely not impossible. One of the key ways to get buyer interest in your home is by hosting a great open house! Winter poses a few special challenges for a successful open house, but follow along with these 5 tips and you’ll be just fine!
Manage Snow Removal
Winter often comes with snow and ice which can make the outside of your home look like a mess. Your snow removal and ice management need to be near perfection. Especially if you are hosting an open house. Make sure guests have a clear walkway and that any ice patches have been properly salted. Nothing leaves a worse first impression than slipping on their way up to your home.
Warm and Inviting
Even if you normally like to keep your thermostat on the lower side during winter, during an open house you should turn it up to a more comfortable level. You don’t want to give buyers the impression that your home is cold and drafty- because it might cause them to not want your home. If you have a fireplace in your home, Winter is the perfect time to show it off. Walking into a warm home with a fire lit in the fire place is a great first impression for a home buyer.
Cold Weather Snacks
Instead of just offering the normal array of snacks and coffee at your open house, why not throw in a few Winter classics? Adding in hot chocolate, apple cider, and other delicious seasonal items will be a welcome treat!
Make your Guests Comfortable
Don’t make home buyers walk around in snowy and heavy outerwear during their whole visit. Make a designated spot for them to leave their jackets and boots.
Brighten Your Home
It gets dark early during the winter, so make sure your home has enough light to look bright and cheery. A dark home will not show as well as well lit one.
Store Your Stuff with Zippy Shell
Clutter makes your home look smaller and can distract buyers from actually seeing the selling points of your home. Zippy Shell of Northern Illinois will safely store your items while you sell your home and then move them to your new home! You can learn more about our storage and moving services by visiting www.zippyshell.com.
Do you have any other ideas to help host the perfect winter open house? Let us know in the comments!
