SELLING YOUR HOME IN WINTER? TIPS TO SAVE MONEY AND SHINE IN TODAY’S MARKET
Selling your home in the winter months can feel like an uphill battle. With the greyer skies and shorter days in Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA, presenting your home in the best light while managing costs may seem tricky. But don’t worry—a few simple strategies can help you highlight your home’s charm while keeping your utility bills in check.
Over the past two decades, I have helped countless clients sell during every season. I know exactly how to make your home stand out in the winter market. Here are my top winter home-selling tips to save money and optimize your selling potential.
1. KEEP TEMPERATURES COZY AND CONSISTENT
One of the easiest ways to make a great first impression is to ensure your home is warm and inviting for potential buyers. Nobody wants to tour a chilly house on a cold winter day.
Set your thermostat at a consistent temperature—55 to 60 degrees works well, especially if your home is vacant. This ensures a cozy atmosphere while protecting your home from burst pipes or other weather-related surprises.
2. INVEST IN THERMAL WINDOW COVERINGS
Thermal window coverings are a smart addition to your home, especially in winter. These help retain heat, keeping the house comfortable for visitors and lowering energy costs. It’s a small but impactful way to present your home as energy-efficient and cost-conscious to buyers.
3. LET THERE BE LIGHT
Natural light may be scarce, but that doesn’t mean your home should feel dim. Use smart technology to schedule lights to turn on automatically, especially in the afternoons when the skies are at their gloomiest. Consider adding lamps or LED lighting with cool white hues to brighten spaces. Good lighting creates an inviting and warm atmosphere, helping buyers connect emotionally with your home.
4. ADD WARM VISUAL TOUCHES
It’s not just about warmth—it’s about creating warmth. Simple, intentional decor can make a difference. For example, if you have a fireplace, stage it with birch logs for a cozy wintertime aesthetic. These small details contribute to the overall ambiance of your home, making it easier for buyers to imagine themselves living there.
5. SEAL THE DRAFTS
Take the time to seal window cracks and doors with weather stripping. Draft protection keeps your home energy-efficient and increases the comfort of walkthroughs or open houses.
6. CHOOSE ENERGY-EFFICIENT LIGHTING
Energy-efficient LED lighting is a game-changer. Not only will it save you on utility bills, but modern LED options also provide clean, bright light that accentuates each room’s best features. Buyers will appreciate seeing a well-lit space, especially in darker winter months.
These simple adjustments can help your home make a lasting impression, even during the grey days of winter. Whether through energy-efficient upgrades or staging tips, you have the power to save money and shine in the market simultaneously.
If you’re ready to start planning the sale of your home this winter, let’s talk! Reach out to me anytime. I’d love to help create a personalized plan that ensures your home stands out and maximizes your return.
