Thinking of waiting until spring to sell? Here’s why winter can work well in Northern Virginia, and how to make your home shine on short, cold days.
A lot of sellers assume spring is the only time to sell. It’s true that more buyers are out in spring, but more sellers list then too, and winter has some real advantages. Here’s how to decide, and how to get the most from a winter listing.
Why winter can work
- Less competition. Fewer homes are for sale in winter, so yours gets more attention from the buyers who are looking.
- Serious buyers. People touring homes in December and January usually need to move. They’re relocating for work, have a lease ending, or just sold their last home.
- Military moves happen year-round. With Fort Belvoir, the Pentagon and Quantico nearby, there’s a steady stream of buyers with report dates to meet.
- A head start on spring. In Northern Virginia, buyer activity often picks up in late January and February, well before the cherry blossoms. Listing in winter can put you ahead of the spring rush.
The challenges, and how to handle them
Winter brings shorter days, cold weather, holiday schedules and the occasional snowstorm. Most of that is easy to plan around.
Make it bright
With early sunsets, many showings happen after dark. Turn on every light before showings, replace dim or burned-out bulbs, and open the blinds during the day. Lighting along the walkway and front door makes your home look welcoming at 5 p.m. in January.
Keep it warm and safe
Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature and leave it there while you’re out. Keep walkways, steps and the driveway clear of snow and ice. A good doormat and a spot for shoes help buyers feel welcome and protect your floors.
Get the heat checked
Buyers and their inspectors will run the heat. A furnace or heat pump tune-up before you list can head off inspection surprises. My fall home maintenance checklist covers more cold-weather prep.
Plan your photos
Most buyers see your home online first, and that’s even more true in winter. Schedule photos on a clear day, and consider twilight exterior shots, which look warm and inviting this time of year.
Go easy on holiday decorations
A few tasteful decorations make a home feel cozy. Too many can make rooms look smaller and date your photos. Keep it simple, or wait to decorate until after the photos are taken.
Stay flexible around the holidays
Many buyers have time off in late December and use it to tour homes. If you can, be open to showings during the holiday weeks.
Pricing in winter
Winter buyers watch the market closely, and they notice when a home sits. Pricing it right from the start matters even more this time of year. Here’s how I help sellers price their homes.
Not ready until spring? Prep now
If spring makes more sense for you, use the winter to get ready. Declutter, take care of repairs, and book painters and contractors before their spring calendars fill up. My home prep checklist is a good place to start, and Compass Concierge can cover the upfront cost of updates until your home sells.
Let’s talk timing
The right time to sell depends on your plans, your next home and what’s happening in your neighborhood. I’ll look at what’s selling near you right now and help you decide whether to list this winter or wait. Request a free home value report, or call or text me at 703-798-4214.
