Trying to sell your home during the winter months, the slowest season of all, can be a chilly endeavor. According to the National Association of Realtors, Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day is the slowest time for home shopping, resulting in the lowest home closings during the beginning of each new year. So if a job transfer or personal circumstance requires selling your home during winter months, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your home stands out:
Get back to interior basics. Remove the clutter, purge the closets, put away holiday décor and make your home appear more spacious and inviting.
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Clean and be vigilant. Wipe the baseboards, dust fan blades, clean behind your dryer and oven, launder your drapes, dust your blinds, clean interior windows, shampoo the carpets, wash the walls or apply a fresh coat of paint.
Cross off everything on your repair list. Fix faucet leaks, tighten door knobs, repair broken outlets, change out lights bulbs or dated fixtures and repair damaged walls.
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Clear a walkway. Remove snow and ice from your driveway and walkways to provide safe access to your home.
Get a pre-inspection. Discovering and resolving issues before you get a “list” from a buyer gives sellers an advantage. There are pros and cons, so talk to your Realtor first.
Price accordingly. In a slower winter market, pricing aggressively is necessary. If priced properly, your home will sell. Your Realtor will help you determine the best selling price for your home.
Dan Firks specializes in residential real estate for Chicago’s western suburbs. As a Naperville resident and Realtor, he has been named a “5-Star Real Estate Agent” by Chicago Magazine, Zillow, and is the #1 Real Estate Broker at RE/Max of Naperville. Have a question about real estate? Contact Dan at 630.637.9009 or dan@danfirks.com. Curious to know if Dan is the Realtor for you? Go to http://www.zillow.com/profile/danfirks/Reviews/. To view homes in Naperville go to www.NapervilleIllinoisHomes.com.
