Selling a home in the winter (a Canadian winter, not the snowbird winter we dream of) is a very good strategy, and better statistically than most consumers know. A study done in 2009/2010 showed that the the price, days on the market, and selling percentage to list price was all better than the median average for the entire year, when comparing winter sales to the rest of the year. One of those factors is the number of new listings, which tends to peak in the Calgary market in April and May. January and February is somehow seen as a less attractive time to list, but the truth is, you have less competition, and the buyers that are looking are actually serious buyers. After all, who would go out in the snow and below zero temperatures if they weren’t serious about moving? Here are 7 tips to selling your home in the winter successfully:1. Shovel it. Making sure that sidewalks and driveways are clean and have good traction for buyers is not only appreciated, but enhances the curb appeal and tells buyers you care about maintaining your home.

2. Warm it up. Ensure that your home is warm (but not too warm, they’re wearing winter coats). Leave the fireplace on, keep the furnace at a comfortable temperature, and set any in-floor heating to warm the toes of buyers. They may have coats on, but a cold tile bathroom floor might turn them off.                                  A warm floor is inviting, and helps them to envision a comfy home to live in.

3. Daylight. If possible, promote showings in the daylight hours. Have the blinds open on west or south facing rooms to show how bright and cheery the home can be in the dead of winter.

4. Lights, please. As our winters only give us about 9 or 10 hours of sunlight, have lights on timers inside and out, so that the home is inviting to buyers driving the area, particularly if the home is vacant or unattended for long periods.

5. The nose knows. Surveys show that the favourite aroma in a home is chocolate chip cookies. Other scents that are pleasing are vanilla, citrus, and cinnamon. Don’t overdo it! A strong scent can be overpowering and lead buyers to wonder if something is being covered up with the scent.

6. Shoes off. Have a sign at the front door that kindly asks that all outer footwear be removed. This will help to keep your home ready for the next buyer, so they can see it as clean as the one before.

7. Festive Moods. We celebrate numerous occasions in the winter, so decorate your home with seasonal arrangements and art. Leave a plate of cookies out with a note to have one, set the table like it is ready for a dinner party. A home that entertains is inviting, and stirs the emotions in buyers.

Remember, if you sell your him in the winter, you’re probably moving in the spring, which is going to be warmer. Preparing your home now for a winter sale will pay dividends, and allow you to enjoy the rest of the year in your new home, while everyone else battles it out the rest of the year! In Calgary, our winter can be anywhere from 3-6 months of winter-like temperatures. Calgary real estate sells all year round, despite the impression by many that spring and summer is the time to sell. Getting a jump on everyone else might just allow you the time to enjoy the warmer months.

Tags: Auburn Bay, Calgary Real Estate, Chaparral, Cranston, McKenzie Lake, MLS, Selling