Winter is truly a magical time in central Illinois. With (hopefully) a fresh blanket of snow outside, a fire roaring in your fireplace, and the low hum of winter winds out your windows, what could make for a cozier setting?
While winter may be considered “off season” in the real estate market, it could actually be the perfect time for you to show your home! These winter months mean lower competition before the market picks up in the spring and summer, giving your property more visibility and weeding out the less serious buyers.
Here are a few ways to make your home even more inviting and appealing to potential buyers in central Illinois this winter:
- Don’t skip the outside. First impressions are powerful. This is true in any case, but especially when it comes to showing your home. Your home’s exterior will be the first interaction potential buyers have with your space and can set the tone for their overall perception in a significant way. Make sure to have pathways cleared of snow and to have bushes and trees trimmed and tidy. Consider touching up the paint on your front door to give a polished look and finish it off with a tasteful winter wreath for that extra special touch.
- Decorate tastefully. In the wintertime, you have the unique opportunity of drawing from the holiday and all its charm to create a fun and cozy atmosphere in your home. Christmastime will always bring out the best in a home, playing on nostalgia and the simple joys of the season. But keep it tasteful and try not to overdo it! A Christmas tree, a fresh evergreen garland on the mantle, and some festive throw pillows is all it really takes to show off your home in all its festive glory! You want potential buyers to be able to picture joyful future holidays in your space, but also to envision what it might be like throughout the rest of the year.
- Capitalize on warmth. Especially during these cold winter months, you want to make your home a place that people will want to come in and stay for a while. You can do this by bumping up the thermostat a couple degrees, lighting the fire in your fireplace, and making sure there are cozy and comfortable linens to add that touch of warm winter charm.
- Focus on lighting. As we experience the shortest days of the year in the winter, it is important to make sure that your home is well-lit when you are showing it, especially in the late afternoon and evening! Natural lighting is always best, so opening your blinds and curtains should always be the first step. If it is already dark outside, or if your space just tends to be under-lit, I recommend utilizing lamplight. It can brighten up a space in an instant, boosting the mood and enhancing the natural textures in your room.
- A little scent goes a long way. Scents and smells are a powerful part of any experience! For this reason, make sure any open house guests or potential buyers are met with a pleasant aroma upon entering your space. You don’t want it to be too artificial or too overwhelming, so consider baking a fresh batch of cookies before they arrive (bonus points if you offer them some!), simmering some festive potpourri on the stove, or lighting a candle to help with the ambiance.
If you find yourself ready to put your property on the market this winter, I hope these ideas help to get your wheels turning on how to best utilize this season to your advantage! My team and I would be thrilled to walk alongside you in this process in whatever way you need, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or inquiries you may have.
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