WInter’s a busy or stressful time for many people. At the beginning of winter, you have the holidays to worry about. Then by the time February rolls around, the weather in Philadelphia is likely to be below freezing and full of snow and ice. While it might seem counterintuitive to try to sell your home during the months when all anyone wants to do is stay warm and tucked indoors, selling a property in winter might actually mean you get more for it. U.S. News & World Report recently reported that homes tend to sell for more money in the winter, since there are fewer properties out there on the market, and buyers and sellers tend to be more serious about closing the deal. Even if the weather is frightful, there are still a few ways you can make your property stand out.

1. Go for Daylight

Daylight is in short supply during the winter, but you can still make the most of it. Try to photograph your home on a sunny day, instead of at dusk or on a day with a lot of cloud cover. Photos that make use of natural light will make your home look inviting and appealing to people looking for homes in Philadelphia online.

If you schedule an open house when selling a property, pick a time during daylight. So instead of scheduling it from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m., for example, go for 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. You want people to get a good look at your home when the sun’s out, so that they can see it in its best light. You can also make the most of limited daylight by giving your home’s windows a good cleaning before showings.

2. Clear the Sidewalks

Snow and ice tend to make a mess of things during a Philadelphia winter. If people are coming to see your home after a snowstorm, make sure you’ve properly cleared the walkways in front of your home and leading up to the front door. You’re required to shovel your walks no more than six hours after the snow has stopped falling, according to the Philadelphia Code. Shovel a path that’s a least 36 inches wide and add sand or salt to keep people from slipping. Remember that you’re not allowed to toss the snow in the streets. Instead, pile it out of the way on the sidewalk.

3. Spruce It Up

Make the inside of your home warm and inviting to appeal to buyers. If you’re selling during the holiday season, feel free to decorate, but don’t go overboard. Think tasteful, instead of tacky. A small Christmas tree in one corner might really brighten the home and make it feel inviting, while lots of small holiday figurines scattered throughout the house can make it feel cluttered and turn off potential buyers. The same is true of a lot of lights and decorations on the house’s facade.

After the holidays, keep up some winter-themed decorations. For example, a small evergreen shrub next to your stoop can add a touch of greenery to a dreary winter landscape. The same is true of a wintery wreath hung on the door.

When selling a property in winter, you want to show buyers that you’re serious and committed to making a selling. Making your home as lovely as possible, despite the challenges of the season, will help you move your home off of the market sooner.

Image Source: Flickr/Dylan T. Moore

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