5 Ways To Prepare Your House To Sell in the Middle of Winter & the Holidays

Before you know it, winter and the holidays are on their way! 

If you must sell your house during this time, here's some advice for getting your house ready for a "SOLD" sign in the middle of winter. 

#1 Stop The Drafts

Whether you live in a single-family house, a townhouse, or a high-rise condo, look for air leaks in your house, especially around windows, doors, and wall gaps. Additionally, check your vents, back patio door, and the grounds around your house. It's also important to look closely at the faucets, electrical panels outside, and a/c house connections. Drafts not only make the house chilly, but they can also drain your finances and significantly raise your heating costs. Think about putting door sweeps or weather stripping under and around exterior doors, caulk any holes; and, if necessary, install storm windows and doors. It is quick and simple to stop drafts coming into your house, it requires a good inspection and fix those areas that need your attention before putting your home for sale 

#2 Check the Fireplace

Call a professional chimney sweep to check your fireplace's cleanliness and inside vents before you light the first fire of the year. While a cleaning might cost up to $300, most likely, there will be a fireplace inspection by the prospective buyer prior to purchasing your home. Preventive maintenance always helps sell a home faster. 

#3 Depersonalize Your House 

(Except the Christmas tree!)

Removing sentimental items from your home can be difficult, but if you want to live there while it is on the market, you don't want potential buyers to feel like they are intruding when they tour it. You want them to see that they are creating their own memories rather than focusing solely on yours. Personal images may be important to you, but they may deter other buyers. 

#4 Deep Clean

If you were a buyer, you would be put off by entering a house that smells bad or by seeing filthy buildup on the baseboards or countertops. When considering making an offer, a buyer has to feel good about the house; otherwise, there will be no offers. 

#5 Install a Programmable Thermostat.

According to EnergyStar.gov, programmable thermostats can reduce your yearly energy bills by around $180. It is advised to schedule energy-saving temperatures for at least eight hours at a time each day, which is probably how long you are at work. Home buyers have a better feeling about the energy efficiency of your house when they see a modern programmable thermostat on the wall. 

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Our commitment as your real estate professional is to help you find your dream home at the right timing for you.

It's the biggest purchase of your life, and can assure you that even small mistakes can be costly.  BEWARE, technology changes almost daily and I can help you pinpoint all the homes for sale near your location points. I have access to over 18 million properties from hundreds of locations, including Government  properties, action homes, VA homes, HUD Properties and all available private houses for sale in between.

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Fernando Herboso Broker 301-246-0001