Staging your home for a quick sale can be a time consuming and stressful task, which becomes even more difficult during the winter months. Not only do you have to contend with other homes on the market, and numerous buyers, but the weather can present a problem in terms of access to the home and the cleanliness of the interior. While this may not be a big deal in some areas like Arizona and Florida where they do not have to contend with snow and ice, here in northwestern Georgia, it can be a challenge. In order to ensure your home shows to its full capacity during the winter months, here are some tips.
Exterior Tips
Access to a home is crucial during the winter. Sidewalks and driveways can easily become dangerous areas since ice and snow can turn even the nicest yard into a skating rink. Depending on the weather, it can be a daily task to ensure that the driveways and walkways are clear and safe. Keep a good supply of rock salt or another de-icing agent on hand. The last thing you want is a prospective buyer to slip on their way to the door. Remember if people have to trudge through knee deep snow (not likely in our area, but it can happen) to reach your front door, it won’t look good for you as a seller. Keep the driveway shoveled and de-iced at all times. Its also a good idea to clear snow off the eaves and edges of the roof. Make sure there are no dangers to the visitors to your home.
Interior Tips
Keeping the inside of a home clean while the weather is cold, icy and/or snowy presents a different challenge. This is compounded if your home is a popular showing. With numerous people coming in during a day, it is a great idea to have plastic shoe covers to help stop the problem of snow and dirt getting tracked into your home. During the cold months is a great idea to keep the house warm and inviting. If you have a fireplace, light it. The ambience and warmth will help visitors to stay longer and explore all that your home has to offer. Ideally you would like your home to be as inviting and interesting as possible. The winter months give a homeowner the opportunity to showcase their homes during the dreary winter weather. It’s a chance to turn your home into a winter palace that will interest buyers from the moment they see it.