Here, we'll guide you through the steps to ensure your clients' homes are winterized and showcased in the best possible light during this time of year!
As the air turns crisp and the first hints of frost settle in, the holiday season arrives with all its festive charm.
For real estate agents, this time of year is not just about cozy fireplaces and twinkling Christmas lights—it's also a prime opportunity to help clients prepare their homes for the winter market.
Whether you’re working with eager sellers looking to close before the New Year or clients who are planning to list after the holiday rush, making sure a home is winter-ready is crucial.
Here, we'll guide you through the essential steps to ensure your clients' homes are not only winterized but also showcased in the best possible light during this magical time of year.
Who doesn’t love a home decorated for the holidays? A well-placed wreath, tasteful garlands, and a beautifully lit Christmas tree can create a warm, inviting atmosphere that appeals to potential buyers. However, it’s essential to strike the right balance.
Advise your clients to keep decorations minimal and neutral. Too many personal or religious-themed items can be distracting or off-putting to some buyers. Encourage a classic holiday look with twinkling white lights, natural elements like pine cones, and pops of red and green to create a festive yet universal appeal. The goal is to highlight the home’s best features, not overshadow them with Santa figurines and inflatable snowmen.
(Photo from Real Simple)
Curb appeal isn’t just for spring and summer. A home’s exterior is the first thing buyers see, and in the winter, it needs to be both inviting and practical.
Snow Removal: Make sure walkways, driveways, and entry paths are clear of snow and ice. This isn’t just about safety; a well-maintained exterior suggests that the home has been cared for and is move-in ready.
Exterior Lighting: Winter days are short, and many showings happen after dark. Ensure all exterior lights are functioning and consider adding pathway lights or spotlights to brighten up the entrance. Twinkling white Christmas lights can add charm, but again, subtlety is key.
Seasonal Touches: A festive doormat, a simple wreath on the door, or a planter filled with winter greenery can enhance the entrance without overwhelming it. Remind sellers to remove any dead plants or summer decorations that might be lingering.
(Photo from Decorilla)
Inside the home, the focus should be on warmth and comfort. Winter buyers are often looking for a space that feels cozy and secure—a refuge from the cold.
Temperature Control: Make sure the home is warm during showings. A chilly house can be a dealbreaker, giving the impression that the heating system isn’t up to par. If the home has a fireplace, make it a focal point. A roaring fire during a showing can create a memorable, inviting atmosphere.
Layered Textures: Suggest your clients add soft throws, plush pillows, and cozy rugs to create a warm, welcoming environment. These small touches can make a significant difference in how the home feels to potential buyers.
Holiday Scents: The smell of freshly baked cookies or a hint of cinnamon can be irresistible during the holidays. Encourage sellers to use subtle seasonal scents to enhance the home’s appeal, but caution against overpowering fragrances that might be off-putting.
Certain features of a home are especially appealing in the winter, so be sure to highlight them during showings.
Energy Efficiency: If the home has new windows, a recently serviced HVAC system, or extra insulation, make sure these features are showcased. Buyers are always looking for homes that will be cost-effective and comfortable during the colder months.
Basement and Attic: Winter is a great time to show off a dry, well-insulated basement or attic. These areas can often be concerns for buyers, so if they’re in good shape, highlight them!
Holiday Entertaining Spaces: Many buyers are looking for a home where they can host family and friends during the holidays. If the home has a large dining area, an open kitchen, or a great room perfect for gatherings, make sure these spaces are highlighted during showings.
A home inspection is a standard part of the selling process, and winter weather can sometimes reveal issues that weren’t apparent before. Help your clients get ahead of potential problems by suggesting they address common winter maintenance tasks.
Roof and Gutters: Check for any missing shingles and ensure gutters are clean and free of debris. Ice dams can form if gutters are clogged, leading to roof damage and water leaks.
HVAC System: Suggest your clients have their heating system serviced before listing. A well-maintained furnace or boiler not only ensures comfort during showings but also reassures buyers that they won’t be facing any major repairs soon after moving in.
Windows and Doors: Inspect windows and doors for drafts and consider adding weather stripping or caulking where needed. This small investment can improve energy efficiency and make the home more appealing to buyers.
Winter weather can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to prepare for the unexpected.
Be Flexible with Showings: Snowstorms or icy conditions may cause last-minute cancellations. Encourage your sellers to be understanding and flexible with rescheduling showings.
Have a Backup Plan: If bad weather prevents a scheduled open house, consider offering virtual tours or video walkthroughs as an alternative. This keeps potential buyers engaged even if they can’t physically visit the property.
(Photo from BHHS Michigan Real Estate Blog)
Winter can be a wonderful time to sell a home, especially when it’s properly prepared for the season. By following this Christmas-themed checklist, real estate agents can help their clients showcase their homes in the best possible light, attract motivated buyers, and close deals before the New Year. After all, there’s no place like a new home for the holidays!
As always, thank you guys so much for taking the time to read this blog post - we here at Transactly are always grateful for the support! Stay tuned for more content coming every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
We'd also like to list down the following sites that provided the inspiration for this blog post - go give them a read as well:
Cantrell: https://www.cantrellre.com/blog/winter-home-selling-checklist/
Kimberly Howell: https://www.kimberlyhowell.com/your-winter-home-selling-checklist/
Miami Valley Dream Homes: https://www.miamivalleydreamhomes.com/blog/get-your-home-ready-sell-our-winter-home-selling-checklist/
Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2018/10/01/use-this-checklist-prepare-your-home-winter/
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