In many
parts of the country, selling a home during the winter
months can be a challenge. Dreary, cold weather and the
end-of-the-year holidays can keep buyers away and heighten
fears of your home staying on the market longer than expected.
However, there are a few things you can do to enhance
“curb appeal.” And when that happens, buyers
will take notice.
For example, if your home has been on the market for several
months, it's probably time to change our sales approach.
There are several factors that we can review to determine
improvements that can be made. We may need to make a reassessment
of the sales price, as it may be too high for the current
market or, instead, we may opt to create a new or updated
marketing plan for your home. Marketing your home goes
beyond a few ads in the newspaper and a listing on the
Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Ask me about all the ways
in which I will market your home.
When setting the asking price through a comparative
marketing analysis, compare similar homes sold in
the winter months. Many owners set their asking price
too high because of comparisons with sales prices during
peak seasons. Always try to compare like properties sold
at the same time of year.
Once you’ve settled on an asking price, its time
to spruce up the interior and exterior of your home. I
recommend opening as many curtains as possible to add
light and color to rooms. Also, your might try keeping
spring and summer pictures of your home out on tables
and in clear view. Photos of your front yard flowers or
the backyard shade tree in full summer bloom can help
swing many buyers in favor of a purchase.
Staying on top of winter maintenance and chores is another
sure-fire way of adding value to your home. A neatly shoveled
driveway and cleared walkway can add a nice touch. Make
sure the furnace is in good working condition and that
the room temperature is kept at a comfortable level. Also,
check to see that the basement (if there is a basement)
is dry and sealed from any drafts.
Take yourself on a tour of your home. Start on one end
and work your way through the house. More than likely
you’ll see many previously undiscovered cluttered
spaces and needed repairs that might turn off potential
buyers.
Don’t overload your home with holiday decorations,
either. The buyer should have a chance to see you home
in its everyday condition.
Contact
us for more info on selling your San Jose home in the
winter... |
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