People shop for a home for many different reasons: job relocations, divorce, downsizing, or an expanding family, to name just a few. These reasons are not dictated to by a season and anyone looking for a home during the winter months is serious about buying.
A benefit to winter real estate is that there are fewer homes on the market, which can mean less competition and a better chance of getting a good offer.
The importance of curb appeal cannot be emphasised enough. A buyer’s first impression of a home takes place as he or she drives up the street. The first impression is a lasting impression. In fact, a buyer’s overall impression of the home is made as he or she takes their first look.
For this reason, it is imperative that close attention be paid to the outside of the home and the property. This does not alter with the seasons. Winter curb appeal is all about embracing what the cold weather has to offer.
1. The first tip is an extension of the idea of combining safety and aesthetics. Because the winter days are short, chances are great that a showing will take place in the dark. Hence, exterior lighting is an integral feature of winter curb appeal; it has the potential to make a house look cozy and inviting, as well as create a warm glow. Make sure that all pathways are lit up and replace any burnt out bulbs.
2. Winter’s bare trees offer a clear view of a home’s curb appeal. Therefore, the second tip is to not ignore external home maintenance.
Make sure that all leaves and debris are raked up. Clean the gutters and ensure that the windows shine. With no foliage to obscure the shape, winter is a great time to trim any dead or overhanging tree limbs. Do not forget to put away any garbage and recycling containers, refuse containers add a sloppy, negative perspective to a home’s curb appeal. Because there is not any foliage to distract the view, any peeling paint on windows or doors should be attended to. Perhaps it is time to replace the numbers on the home. This is a great opportunity to update a home’s main identifier.
3. The third tip is to add pops of colour to enhance the winter curb appeal of a home. Winter may be dark and grey but that does not mean that the front entrance needs to be. The perfect vessel for colour is the front door. “The front door is a statement piece that accentuates the personality of a property”. Go bright for a splash of colour, or go more subdued for an elegant, modern look. Still have porch furniture out. Add brightly coloured cushions. Need more colour? Hang freshly painted bird feeders.
4. This brings us to the fourth tip: include winter landscaping. After all, this is nature’s own way to add pops of colour! There are many ways to liven up the front garden, walkways and window boxes.
Creating a positive first impression, is not dependent on the season. “Your front yard sets buyers’ opinions about your home instantly. Whether it is your yard, landscaping, or the exterior of your house – curb appeal is essential”. Even in the cold months of June through August, a buyer’s first glance upon arrival, should make them want to go in and see more.
With these tips, winter curb appeal won’t leave you out in the cold.
