Ah, nothing beats a cold, crisp, and snowy winter season in Vermont! As a team of avid skiers and riders, it can be hard to pass up a day on the trail after a fresh snowfall, and we cannot be more excited for the season. When our agents aren't shredding down the mountain, they are out and about across Northwest Vermont, helping homeowners prepare their homes for sale. If you are considering selling your home this winter, here are a few proven strategies to help you succeed!

Clearing the Path to Success

Curb appeal is a key component of a successful home sale, and while things can look a little different in the winter months, a tidy property will stand out! As we close out the fall season, remove the remaining leaves from your property and your gutters before the first snowfall arrives. Once we see some snow, remember that a clean driveway and walkway can help boost your home's curb appeal. Homebuyers do not want to climb through snow to view your home and want to see what's underneath at the surface level, so take the time to make it look neat. A well-maintained exterior is an excellent indicator of a well-maintained home! 

Make Your Home Shine Bright

No, we don't mean you should keep your neighbors awake at night with a gigantic display of holiday lights! What you should do, is give your home ample and appropriate lighting inside and out! During winter, the days are much shorter, meaning more buyers will spend more time shopping at dusk or night. A well-lit property will create a warm and inviting look and feel to help your property stand out amongst others. Nothing is more challenging than trying to buy something you can't see, so make sure your buyers can appreciate your property's best qualities!

Keeping It Toasty Inside

It is that time of year again when we light up the old fireplace or turn on the furnace to fight off the cold outdoor air. When potential buyers view your property, ensure your home is warm and comfortable. A comfortably heated space will allow buyers to spend more time inspecting your home and a better likelihood that they will make an offer. At the same time, be careful of overheating! Your home's temperature should be between 68-72 degrees for optimal hosting! Having warm beverages like coffee or hot chocolate can also help soothe the chill from the outdoors!

Cleaning Up Your Home

You may not notice it as much while you live in your space, but the winter months tend to get messy! Snow, dirt and salt get tracked in, making a mess of your entryways. Since first impressions matter, clean these areas well before a showing to improve your home's overall appeal. Additionally, in the winter months, we tend to spend more time indoors with windows and doors closed, which traps dust and dirt in the home. While dusting the ceiling fan may seem like small potatoes, those little details will go a long way toward your home sale. 

A Scent Is Worth A Thousand Words

Have you ever been walking through the store when suddenly, the scent of coffee or food wafted your way? Businesses have used scent marketing for years to influence buyers to make purchases, and that's because it works! While there is no magic scent that will make consumers want to buy your home, bad odors in your home can put off buyers. Eliminating odors, such as smoke and pet smells, can give your home a better chance of connecting with buyers. In the same vein, overly fragranced homes can also turn off buyers. It's best to aim for neutral odors or mildly fragranced scents that will appeal to most potential buyers. A few go-to suggestions are light citrus, vanilla, or cinnamon, to make your home welcoming! 

Looking for more suggestions to help your home stand out against the market this winter? Connect with us today, and we can help you maximize the value of your home sale! Call (802) 735-2167 or email us at listings@strongwillvt.com.