While many real estate agencies recommend listing your house, apartment, or building for sale in spring, it is also worthwhile to embark on this venture during the winter months. Indeed, there are fewer properties available on the market, yet prospective buyers are still searching for a new home.
How to Successfully Sell your Property in Winter
As the season is known for its negative temperatures and almost non-existent light, it is an opportunity for the seller to use original arguments to sell their apartment or house quickly. For instance, they can highlight the performance of the heating system or its more ecological aspect. Insulation can also be emphasized.
The atmosphere is also paramount, as Amaury Hermanns explains: “We advise sellers to heat their home to a minimum of 20°C; the atmosphere is then warmer, and buyers are more likely to envision themselves in the space.” Finally, there’s nothing quite like lighting a fire in the living room fireplace or operating the pellet stove! The ambiance will immediately feel cozier.
Our Tips for Showcasing your Property
As light is reduced during winter, it is important to take property photos during the day, when the interior is also bathed in light. Have you already put up your holiday decorations? “We advise property owners against taking photos of their properties that include seasonal decorations. We always make sure to remove these from the professional photos we take.”
Does the property have a garden or balcony, and is it regularly maintained, even in December? A photo of the snowy exterior can add a touch of winter magic to the sales listing. However, be careful to avoid showcasing a flowery terrace, as this might hinder prospective buyers from envisioning themselves in the property during the current season.
Exterior and Interior Maintenance
If it has snowed and the driveway is obstructed by bad weather, it will need to be cleared before the arrival of potential buyers. They will then be able to easily access the front door and feel welcomed. Dead leaves and other unsightly vegetation should be removed from the garden or balcony. Outdoor lighting will also be a welcome addition to enhance the facade. The first impression is the most important when selling a property!
Will visitors be there in the evening, after the sun has set? It will be necessary to check the proper functioning of the light fixtures, as well as shutters or any other electrical installations. . “During visits, we advise our clients to light the apartment or house as they would for daily use.”
Finally, remember to ventilate the interior. Are the owners smokers or do they have a pet? In winter, we tend to keep windows closed to prevent heat loss, but it is essential to properly ventilate the home to eliminate unpleasant odors to which we unfortunately become accustomed. Order is also important: “If you own an income property, ask your tenants to tidy common areas, avoiding storing bicycles and strollers there, for example,” explains the agency’s founder.
Your Home’s Decoration
To make the interior warmer and more comfortable, opt for decoration with soft and warm colors. Add a few candles and turn on some ambient lighting, but do not overdo it. “Dim lighting could mislead potential buyers,” specifies the real estate agent. Finally, feel free to add one or two soft throws to your sofa.
Do you want to sell your property quickly in Brussels, even in winter? Contact our dynamic team of real estate agents to embark on this journey.
