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Selling Your Home in Winter

There are plenty of notable advantages when selling a home during the colder months.

People often say that trying to sell a home in winter is a lot more challenging than selling the same home in summer; but the thing is, there are plenty of notable advantages when selling a home during the colder months. For instance, there would be fewer available homes in the market plus people make new home purchases year-round, so there is no shortage of buyers. Selling in winter also means that you can showcase your home’s family-friendly atmosphere and cosy charm a lot better. Below are some tips on how you can achieve this.

A Welcoming Entryway

Your front door is the first part of your home that prospective buyers would see so how welcoming it looks plays a huge part on making a positive first impression. Christmas lights, a wreath, or a garland lends a beautiful touch. Plant urns with lots of festive greenery and tuck in some silver ball ornaments, boughs of holy and pine, and add some gold, red, or green ribbon for a very chic and cosy look.

Make the Good First Impression Last

It only takes the first 10-15 minutes to make a lasting good impression. Make it a point to ensure that the home has heat on when you have a scheduled viewing (very important for unoccupied homes). You’d want someone to feel at home and want your home to be theirs!

Create A Warm Ambiance

Light candles, have bowls of potpourri in main rooms (vanilla and cookie scents are a safe bet). A pot of simmering cider on the stove is particularly great on very cold days.

Don’t Forget to Protect the Floors

Wet and snowy boots won’t do your carpets and floors any favour. Make sure that you have a rubber mat by the main door plus a couple of comfy house slippers for prospective buyers to slip into. It will also make them feel more welcome so win-win!

Use the Fireplace

Whether you have a wood burning fireplace or a gas one, a glowing warm hearth is always a nice touch when you have a viewing.

Decorate for the Holidays

A common mistake of people selling their property in winter is not decorating for the holidays. Have some poisenttias all over the house, add pine garlands to mantels and banisters, and put up a Christmas tree or a menorah. It will invoke a positive emotional response for most people.

Don’t Forget the Exterior

Just because the outside is likely to be covered in snow does not mean that you can forget about it. Washing siding and paintwork with soapy water when it is not too cold can make a world of difference, more so because winter’s dim days can highlight grime as though it is under a spotlight.

Manage the Foliage

Trim tree branches and shrubs so they don’t end up obstructing entrances and walkways. Pruning trees and shrubs won’t hurt them and will make shoveling snow easier. Remember that if a visitor slips or hurts himself or herself on your not-so-well-maintained property, you’ll be held liable; so get to tending to your home and make it as attractive and as safe as possible to potential buyers.

Message me if your thinking about selling your Fort Collins or Loveland home at m.me/EdPowersRealEstate

Ed Powers Real Estate 970-690-3113 ed@EdPowersRealEstate.com www.EdPowersRealEstate.com

Eight Ways To Improve Curb Appeal

Whether you plan to stay in your home for years or put it on the market soon, there are dozens of ways to increase your home’s value. Upgrading the kitchen, adding decks, and making the living area more spacious add to the value of your home by thousands and bring enjoyment for you at the same time. There are other smaller ways to increase your home’s value. One important way is by increasing curb appeal. What does your home look like to a passerby? Following are 8 ideas for increasing your home’s curb appeal.

1. Spruce Up the Front Door

Your home’s front door is like a welcoming smile. Make sure yours is bright and attractive. If it’s in terrible condition, consider replacing it. Otherwise, a fresh coat of paint in a color that compliments your home will do. Polish or replace the doorknob and hardware. A metal kick plate at the bottom will do wonders to cover pet scratches and other damage.

2. Install Outdoor Lighting

Use low-voltage lighting to accent landscaping, the house, or sidewalk. This will also add to safety and security. Don’t worry if you can’t use lights that require wiring. Solar fixtures are available that will do the job.

3. Rejuvenate Your Lawn

Bald spots and weeds on your lawn are an eyesore for your entire property. Make an investment in getting yours up to par. Make sure your grass type is appropriate for where you live. Learn when and how to fertilize, water, and weed it properly. Keep your lawn mowed, raked and edged. If you live in a dry area consider drought-tolerant landscaping.

4. Container Gardens and Flower Beds

Flower beds and container gardens are a wonderful way to brighten curb appeal. If you already have flower beds, get them in shape by pulling weeds, pruning, and mulching. Buy your container gardens ready-made or create your own. Be sure to use plants that will thrive where you live, and consider the amount of sun or shade they will get.

5. Mailbox Makeover

A mailbox makeover is a quick and affordable way to add curb appeal. Choose a hanging dropbox that compliments your home’s trim work. If it sits on a post, give the box and the post a fresh coat of paint. Purchase attractive and visible lettering for the name and street number. Consider surrounding the mailbox with a flower bed.

6. Add Shutters and Accent Trim

Shutters and trim add a touch of subtle beauty to your home’s exterior. If you already have shutters, make sure they don’t have peeling paint. A color change for shutters and trim can revive a tired-looking exterior. If you are adding new shutters, look for shutters made of durable material such as PVC resins or polyurethane. Use durable, low-maintenance trim details.

7. Replace Gutters and Downspouts

Nothing shouts neglect more than an old rusting gutter system. Newer systems are available made of snap-fit vinyl that can be put together easily with simple tools. Another option is to invest some money into a copper system for really dynamite curb appeal.

8. Upgrade the Driveway and Walkway

Cracks in concrete driveways and walkways with vegetation growing through can ruin your home’s curb appeal. Fortunately, this problem is easily fixed with crack refill and driveway sealant. Stained concrete can be cleaned and repainted. If you have a dirt driveway, holes and washouts are unsightly and inconvenient. A load of fresh gravel will keep your driveway looking neat for a long time.