The Pros & Cons of Selling
a House in the Winter
by Megan Thriepland
If you are thinking of selling your home in the winter then there are a few things to consider. Here are some of the pros and cons of selling your home during the winter months.
Pros of Selling your home in the Winter
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1. No landscaping: Your lawn is likely covered in snow so there's no requirement for landscaping.
2. Professionals: Less activity during the winter months means you get more attention from real estate agents, who are more accessible for questions and assistance. Loans for buyers are often processed faster too!
3. Less competition: Fewer people list their house in the winter meaning your home has a better chance of standing out.
4. Motivated buyers: Buyers looking in the winter
are often more serious as it takes motivation to
bundle up and go out in the cold. Buyers with
children may be looking during the March break
so they can find a house in time to move during
the summer. Also corporate moves often happen
in January.
5. Homes often sell faster: According to Redfin,
homes are 9% more likely to sell within the first six months if you list in the winter.
Cons to Selling your home in the Winter
1. Seasonal perspective: Potential buyers need to be seduced by your home, which requires a warm atmosphere. If the house is cold, buyers may suspect something is wrong like drafty windows (putting plastic over the windows alerts buyers to this issue), the is house not properly sealed or the heating system is faulty.
2. Fewer buyers: This means less competition which means fewer chances of there being multiple offers.
3. Keep it Clean: It may be more difficult to wash the windows in the winter, but it is important. Clean windows make your home brighter and helps give the home an overall clean feeling. Cleaning and de-icing walkways is very important - the last thing you want is someone slipping on their way to see the house.
4. Seasonal Pictures: Pictures of house exterior taken in the winter never look as good as those taken in the spring or summer
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5. Holidays are a busy time for everyone, but be careful not to deny potential buyers from seeing the house, it could cost you.
