You might’ve heard that it’s not a good idea to sell your home in the winter - that there aren’t many buyers around and it is hard to have your property looking its best when the days are dark and the weather is particularly unhelpful. However, in actual fact, it is a bit of an old wives tale, and in an active marketplace, winter is just as good a time as any to sell your house.

But what it comes down to is ensuring it is always in tip top condition for inspections and open homes. Yes, it can be difficult when the leaves keep cluttering up the lawn and the light doesn’t grace your living as much as it does in the summer - but it can be done.  

Here’s 6 house selling tips on making your home appealing to buyers, even when there is a chill in the air and rain on the roof.

1. Keep it warm, and let the light in

Make your home a reprieve from the cold by ensuring it is always warm when people come to view the property. This is a must. If your heating is inadequate - you may need to invest in a heat pump or fireplace. It is frustrating to have to put money into a property that you plan to leave, but this is a massive selling point and if it is missing, then buyers will walk on by.

It is also essential that you let as much natural light in as possible - so check if you need to trim a few trees to stop them blocking windows, and always keep curtains tied up to maximise the light coming into a room.

For any rooms that lack light, make sure you buy and install some yellow-toned bulbs, and have them turned on during any inspections.

Don’t forget to let in some fresh air everyday to keep damp smells at bay. 

2. Brighten up your outdoors

Most gardens often look rather dreary in the colder months - so imagine potential buyer’s surprise when they turn up to your home and see fresh, bright flowers greeting them at the front door.

And while it can be frustrating to keep on top of, you really do need to rake up and dispose of the leaves regularly (every few days is easier than trying to do it all just before an open home). Don’t forget about getting rid of any weeds, pruning the dead heads off flowers and ensuring everything looks tidy. It is very easy for the outdoors to seem neglected and unloved when the skies are grey. This goes for peeling paint, a buildup of lime scum and broken pavers.

3. ‘Stage’ your home with winter decor

It may seem a little silly, but filling your home with things that help create a feeling of warmth (think snuggly blankets and fluffy rugs) can actually have a really positive effect. Potential buyers will be able to picture themselves curling up in the home during winter, and of course getting people to imagine living at your property is the first part of the process to secure a sale.

You could even go one step further by baking a cake or making some coffee before an inspection - all to enhance that feeling of indoor comfort.    

Read more: 6 ways to increase the value of your home in one weekend

4. Make a feature of the outdoor entertaining space

This could seem like an odd thing to do during winter, but remember that you are creating a vision of a lifestyle, and entertaining during the summer months is an essential part of Kiwi culture.

It is important that you don’t have a drab outdoor space that just looks rain soaked and untouched - so spruce it up with some nice wooden furniture (you can even hire it if you don’t have any). If it is sunny on open home day, you can put out some bright coloured cushions and set up the table to show it can be used all year round. Don’t forget about the added value of potted colour and a splash of paint over anything that is chipped or stained.  

5. Set up a wet weather entrance

From a place to hang raincoats, to mats both outside the door and inside, and an umbrella stand - having a well-equipped entrance is the perfect way to give a good first impression, as well as make people feel welcome. It can also ensure potential buyers know that the house is looked after, and will help keep your floors clean and dry, protecting them from mud and water being traipsed through your home.

6. Plug up all the leaks

Plenty of wind and rain can expose a multitude of sins around the home - think leaky gutters, dampness growing mould and mildew, loose roof tiles, slippery slimy pavers and much more. Make sure you undertake a good inspection of your home so you can take care of all those repairs before putting it on the market.

---------

Ready to put your house on the market? Download our FREE guide that has everything you need to know about getting the best price for your property.