Imagine driving up to a house for sale. The bushes are overgrown, the grass is brown and crunchy, and it's almost dark, but there are no lights on inside or out. You make your way up the path after slipping on a few slick spots, your pride barely intact. You open the door and the air is cold and stale. The house has been emptied of furniture and seems abandoned. Your Realtor goes on and on about the great features of the house, but you feel like you're wandering through a sad story. Can you imagine that lifeless building as a home? Unfortunately, many home sellers are have difficulty picturing themselves in the buyers' shoes. Hopefully, some of these tips will help you warm up the winter blues.
Tip 1: Safety, safety, safety!!! If someone slips on an icy sidewalk, that burden falls on you, the homeowner. Keep salt and shovels handy. Keep all walkways salted and clear at all times.
Tip 2: Draw them in with light. Bear in mind that during the winter months, it gets dark before most people leave work. Many home buyers look at houses in the evening hours. Be sure to have your sidewalk and porch(es) well lit. This will make buyers feel safe and welcome.
Tip 3: Turn on the heat. A few dollars spent on your electric bill could save you money in the long run. When it's cold outside, keep your house at a comfortable temperature to entice buyers to stay and look around.
Tip 4: Cinnamon. Cinnamon is the number one universally accepted fragrance. Many people suffer from allergies, so it might not be a good idea to spray air fresheners, but cinnamon says welcome home. It will also mask any stale odors from a vacant house.
