The Rocca Sisters Blog

November is now upon us and while you may think that the real estate market slows down over the winter months, the opposite is actually true. The winter months can still be a very active time of year for real estate and that is why it is important to properly prepare your home for a winter sale.

We have compiled some of our quick proven steps to help you get your home “buyer-ready” this winter:

Curb Appeal – The exterior beauty of your home shouldn’t fade with the onset of the cooler weather. Curb appeal is always a crucial aspect of attracting buyers, even during the winter. Keep trees and shrubs neatly trimmed and remove all leaves and debris. Always keep your driveway and walkways cleared of snow and ice. Add colour and visual interest through the use of outdoor urns or planters full of winter greens, branches and rustic decorative touches perfect for the season such as pinecones. Make sure your windows and floors are sparkling clean and you have a nice mat available for buyers to take their shoes off during viewings.

Replace Old Fixtures & Appliances –With less sunlight during the winter, it’s important to replace dated light fixtures and to add as much ambient lighting as possible. You should also change old faucets and showerheads and replace your exhausted appliances. A home’s value can begin to decline in the buyer’s mind once they begin calculating the cost of replacing old, outdated appliances.

Make sure your home is de-cluttered and spotless – Home buyers need to envision themselves living in your home. To achieve this you need to remove clutter and depersonalize your living space. Remove family photos and keep your decor neutral, however you still want your home to exude warmth, especially in the winter. Turn on your fireplace to add a cozy ambiance. Strategically placing blankets and throws can also help set a warm, comfortable tone for buyers. You should also check the temperature of your home. You want the temperature to be comfortable on cold days to make your home welcoming and give potential buyers a reason to linger.

Properly staging your home is proven to make a dramatic difference in both sale price and the number of days a home is on the market. This is why each of our listings receives free home staging by a professional stager whether it’s spring, summer, winter or fall. We are designated Accredited Staging Professionals and the trademarked owners of the powerful STAGED & SOLD brand. We will ensure your home is staged properly to showcase the best it has to offer a potential buyer. For more tips or to schedule a free, no obligation home evaluation, please contact us at 905-335-4102 or email us at info@roccasisters.ca. Our personal approach and proven results will surpass your expectations!