We asked Chicago Magazine's Deal Estate Columnist, Dennis Rodkin, to give us his 5 best tips for selling a house in winter. Here they are!
1. Be sure you've priced it realistically. Don't price the house based on a peak-year's value or on the amount of money you need to get back from it. Price it according to today's market.
2. Make it accessible. Keep all snow and ice (if we ever get any this winter) cleared from sidewalks, driveway and stairs. Also if you're in a driving neighborhood, make sure there's parking available by keeping either your driveway or the curb area fully shoveled out.
3. Curb appeal. Our yards go brown and bleak in winter. A big pot of colored branches, dried grasses or evergreen boughs can compensate. And maybe a few lights, as long as they don't look like Christmas lights you forgot to take down.
4. Inside, make sure blinds, drapes and curtains are open, so that the most natural light can get in. Even though every light in the house will be turned on for showings, natural light is a plus. Make sure the house looks and SMELLS fresh. I wouldn't bake a pie or cookies--buyers are onto that--but I would make sure there are no mildewy boots and socks or other musty smells.
5. Turn the heat up. You may have adjusted to wearing sweaters and socks inside--and good for you--but keep in mind that these people are coming in from the cold. Their first impression of the home will come at a time when they're feeling chilled. Make the home feel warm and inviting, and they'll be more likely to warm to your home.
1. Be sure you've priced it realistically. Don't price the house based on a peak-year's value or on the amount of money you need to get back from it. Price it according to today's market.
2. Make it accessible. Keep all snow and ice (if we ever get any this winter) cleared from sidewalks, driveway and stairs. Also if you're in a driving neighborhood, make sure there's parking available by keeping either your driveway or the curb area fully shoveled out.
3. Curb appeal. Our yards go brown and bleak in winter. A big pot of colored branches, dried grasses or evergreen boughs can compensate. And maybe a few lights, as long as they don't look like Christmas lights you forgot to take down.
4. Inside, make sure blinds, drapes and curtains are open, so that the most natural light can get in. Even though every light in the house will be turned on for showings, natural light is a plus. Make sure the house looks and SMELLS fresh. I wouldn't bake a pie or cookies--buyers are onto that--but I would make sure there are no mildewy boots and socks or other musty smells.
5. Turn the heat up. You may have adjusted to wearing sweaters and socks inside--and good for you--but keep in mind that these people are coming in from the cold. Their first impression of the home will come at a time when they're feeling chilled. Make the home feel warm and inviting, and they'll be more likely to warm to your home.
