Attracting would-be home buyers can be relatively easy in warmer months. But throw in some cold weather, snow and an early sunset and it may seem discouraging to think that prospects will ring your doorbell. If you’re trying to sell your home and think that it’s impossible to do so in the winter, defrost that notion now. It’s important to use the change of seasons to your advantage and increase your home’s visibility. To ensure your home has the curb appeal it takes to slap a “sold” sign on your lawn, think high VIS…Visual Interest and Safety.
Visual Interest:
It’s okay to put on a façade
Whether you live in a warmer climate or a cold one, it’s important to add a fresh coat of paint to the exterior of your home and garage. At minimum, a thorough scrubbing should be done and if you live in a state where snow is a sure bet, apply a weather sealant to help the exterior successfully survive the elements. Make sure that your house address is clean and visible to passersby.
Next, consider the overall look of your landscaping. In warmer climates, you can continue to eliminate weeds, keep your lawn manicured and incorporate hardy shrubs. For the rest of the country, a little more creativity is needed. Consider adding weather-appropriate pine bark, rocks or rubber mulch, all of which can withstand continuous snowfalls yet remain colorful when the snow melts.
Subtract those winter blues by adding winter greens for instant curb appeal
While flowers are planted in the spring and summer to add vibrancy and beauty, it’s important to embrace the winter color palette by adding seasonal greenery. Consider holly bushes with their green leaves and red berries to add a nice contrast to a snowy landscape. Prepare planters with evergreens, winter jasmine, hemlock, spruce or potted artificial poinsettias for areas where flowers grew a few months prior. Add them to spaces around your porch, and if you have a lamppost, stone birdbath or other statuaries, these plants can enhance their appeal. Remember to have blankets or plastic sheets available to protect these plants in case your area experiences a deep freeze.
Add elegant and whimsical details
While it’s tempting to get lost in the giant inflatables aisle at your local store, keep in mind that if your property is covered with holiday décor, the inherent beauty of your home will be sacrificed. Instead, add elegant white lights to your shrubs or a wreath to your front door. Instead of a light-up snowman, consider two small lighted topiaries to flank your doorway. Add a seasonal welcome mat and paint or decorate your mailbox. If you have multiple windows facing the street, place small electric or battery-operated flicker candles on your sills for a warm glow. Welcoming details like adding a birdfeeder, tying a weather-resistant bow to your fence or securing a fresh balsam swag to a sled will encourage house hunters to picture themselves at your address next holiday season.
Safety:
While the look of your home is the most important factor of curb appeal, states that experience significant snowfall must also make safety a top priority. Since you’ve taken the time to make your home picturesque, you want to ensure that would-be buyers can access your home without doing a triple axel on the way in.
Adequate lighting
Many people meet their real estate agent after work for home tours, which means they will likely visit your neighborhood in the dark. It’s helpful to install solar-powered walkway lights and replace light bulbs above your garage to illuminate paths and the driveway, while creating a glowing effect to complement your landscaping.
Shovels, snow blowers and salt
In chilly climates, make sure you have the three S’s handy to keep the sidewalks, pathways and driveway free from snow and ice.
Be prepared for unexpected debris
Whether you have shrubs or trees, it’s a good idea to trim them before the first big frost. Not only is this a good cosmetic practice, but you’ll reduce the chances of visitors tripping over dead branches or other debris on the way to your door. Throughout the entire winter season, be on the lookout for icicles forming in your entryway. If your eaves look like cavernous stalactites, it’s time to take out a saw, hammer or ice pick and safely remove them.
By implementing these curb appeal steps, you can increase your home’s VISability and sell ability.
