Top 5 Selling Techniques For Fall_Winter Home Listings

 

Although during the spring and summer seasons, home sales increase, you can still sell your home during the fall and winter seasons. Real estate is being sold all year long, so you can definitely increase the chance of selling your home if you know a few simple selling techniques. If you decide to sell your home during the fall or winter seasons, follow this list of top 5 selling techniques for fall and winter home listings to attract potential home buyers. 

1. An Appealing Home Exterior 

During the fall and winter seasons, the exterior of the property can become dull and unappealing. One mistake that home sellers make is neglecting the exterior of their home. A clean, nice outdoor space is very attractive, so ensure that you clean up the yard. This includes raking leaves, removing fallen branches and sticks, weeding the flower beds, and trimming the bushes and shrubs.  Also, have your gutters cleaned to prevent water damage to the home. You may also consider buying landscape lighting to light the pathway for visitors during the late afternoon or evening. Outdoor lighting also enhances your home’s appeal. There are many options, such as landscape spotlights, motion-activated spotlights, and solar lights to line a walkway. If there is snow, keep the walkways and patio shoveled and salted so potential buyers can walk safely. 

2. A Good Home Maintenance Schedule 

If you’re planning to sell your home in the fall or winter, it is important to make sure your home appliances and systems are working properly. Prior to listing your home, you should have them inspected and cleaned. According to heating and cooling experts, the HVAC system should be inspected and cleaned yearly. Since a furnace is not used much during the summer, the fall is a good time to have your HVAC system inspected and cleaned. Be sure to replace the HVAC filter to help reduce any odors.

Another important maintenance task concerns the chimney. If you have a fireplace, it should be inspected and cleaned annually. The fall is the best time to have it inspected and swept by a professional chimney company. 

Additionally, you should have your electrical system inspected and have check and replace batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Another system in need of maintenance prior to listing is the plumbing system. Fix any leaking faucets and pipes and have the plumbing system inspected, including the hot water tank. 

Because it will be cooler, check windows and doors for drafts. You may have to weather seal and insulate around windows and doors. Proper maintenance will help your home pass inspection. 

3.  Buy A Home Warranty Plan

A home seller’s warranty covers the home’s systems and appliances while it’s on the market. Once the home is sold, the warranty is then transferred to the buyer. A home warranty, or home service agreement, is a plan that provides coverage for unforeseen repair bills for items covered under the particular agreement that would not normally be covered under a homeowner’s insurance policy or a manufacturer's warranty.

 

Sellers can offer a home warranty plan with the home to make the purchase more appealing. A home warranty gives both the seller and buyer protection during and after the home sale process. There are warranty plans that offer coverage for current and aging home systems and appliances, regardless of make, brand, age or model, in order to protect against possible future repair costs. 

Depending upon the plan and options you choose, home warranty plans typically cover major appliances and systems that include, but are not limited to: 

    • Central air conditioning and heating

    • Interior electrical

    • Plumbing

    • Water heater

    • Range/Oven/Cooktop

    • Refrigerator

    • Dishwasher

    • Washer and Dryer

    • Garage door opener

    • Ceiling fans

Plus, more... 

You can also select optional coverages, or “add on,” to a plan, that can include a pool, spa, well pump, personal electronics, outside water and sewer lines, listing coverage, and more. 

4. Interior Decorating and Staging 

Because it is the fall or winter, ensuring that home interior is well lit, clean, organized, and tastefully decorated will make it feel more welcoming, which can help expedite the sale of a home. Because there may be less daylight hours, there is a chance your home will be shown when it is dark outside. Make sure you turn on all the lights to make your home appear larger and more inviting. Bring in extra floor lamps to add to rooms with dark corners, retract the blinds, and open the curtains to allow natural light to stream into your space.

You can also make potential buyers feel more welcome by making your home smell good. Bake cookies, a cake or pie, boil cinnamon sticks, or light a few fall scented candles. This creates a warm, welcoming environment. 

5. Keep the Home Warm 

It is important for potential buyers to be comfortable. When showing your home, keep the thermostat up to ensure people feel cozy. Plus, they will know that your furnace is in good working order. 

In Conclusion

Selling a home in the fall or winter is much easier if the appropriate steps are taken for the seasons, helping your home sell for a price that meets your expectations. 

ARW Home provides home warranty plans for major home appliances and systems, and new and existing home and computing entertainment products. With ARW Home warranty plans, homeowners experience prompt and professional customer service, immediate service for emergencies issues, and aa 24-48 hour response to requests for service. If you are planning to buy or sell a home, check out ARW Home warranty plans today.