Preparing your home for a winter sale

Homes sell all year in the Alberni Valley. Winter buyers are often serious ones, such as people relocating for work, and with fewer homes on the market, a well-presented listing can stand out. A little preparation goes a long way when the days are short and wet.

Make it bright

Winter light is limited, so add it wherever you can:

• Open every blind and curtain before showings
• Turn on all the lights, including lamps and under-cabinet lighting
• Replace dim or mismatched bulbs with bright, warm-white ones
• Schedule listing photos for the brightest part of the day

Keep it warm and dry

Set the heat to a comfortable temperature for showings, even if you are away. A cold house feels empty and makes buyers rush through.

In our rainy climate, make sure the entry handles wet weather well. Put down a good door mat, leave space for boots and umbrellas, and keep floors clean and dry.

Look after the outside

• Keep walkways, steps and the driveway clear, and use ice melt on frosty mornings
• Clean gutters and downspouts, and remove moss from roofs and paths
• Make sure outdoor lights work, since many showings happen after dark
• Tidy garden beds and trim back overgrown plants

Show that the home is well maintained

Winter makes buyers think about heating, drafts and leaks. Have your furnace or heat pump serviced and keep the receipt handy. Fix drips, check for drafts, and gather records of any recent updates such as a roof, windows or a heating system.

Keep the decor simple

A few seasonal touches can feel welcoming, but keep them light so buyers can still see the home itself. Clear away extra clutter so rooms feel open and bright.

Be flexible

Weather and holidays can affect when buyers are able to view. The more flexible you can be with showing times, the more buyers will see your home.

Thinking of selling this winter? I would be glad to walk through your home and share a plan to get it ready for market.