Selling northern Colorado real estate in winter might seem like a challenge…
And it is, for both the Seller and their agent. 🙂 But selling northern Colorado real estate is far from impossible in this market!
With interest rates down again this week and buyers queuing on the sidelines waiting for more inventory, it hardly matters that the “pineapple express” has dumped 8″ or more of snow on us. We are Coloradoans, or we hope to become so! Despite the slushy roads, icy front walks and almost zero idea of what landscaping lies beneath, Buyers will show up to see homes that have just listed for sale.
Selling northern Colorado real estate will go on all winter. Yes, at a slower pace, but that’s due to a combination of Buyers other activities taking priority and the lack of inventory for them to actually buy. Why Buyers are slower to find the right property in winter?
- Thanksgiving travel and hosting
- Christmas travel and hosting and events to attend
- Weather issues
- Hitting the slopes instead and taking advantage of our amazing Rocky Mountains
- Money being directed elsewhere over the holiday season
Why are Sellers slow to list their homes?
- It’ s tough to travel, host and entertain while accepting showing appointments with little notice.
- Seller has reservations about keeping house at 67+ degrees all day in case of showings… while potential buyers come in and out, helping Seller heat the neighborhood.
- Wet or muddy shoes? Unfortunately there is always the risk of someone not obeying the “no shoes” instruction.
- Seller often doesn’t relish the thought of moving heavy furniture down icy steps on a cold and wet day. 🙁
- Selling northern Colorado real estate for the highest price is best done with competitive Buyers in play… And that is more likely to happen in spring or summer.
So, what must one do in order to sell a home in winter, quickly and for the most money?
First of all, like any listing, there needs to be planning.
1. That first weekend is golden, so check the weather and don’t list the Friday before a blizzard is expected! You want showings ASAP and they are not going to happen after work hours when daylight is already gone. The weekend is your friend.
2. Pictures are vital and while landscaping and grass is not at its best in the middle of winter, you still need to show photos. Try a gorgeous snow covered portrait illustrating curb appeal, while the snow is still white and clean looking. Use evening shots, with the house lit from the inside or with holiday lights on the outside. The inside of the house should be warm and cozy looking. Use lit fireplaces, warm lighting, rugs and linens to soften and warm a room. In selling northern Colorado real estate, by all means dig out pictures of the fabulous flowers taken in spring, the gorgeous deciduous colors of fall, the view of an amazing summer sunset.
3. For showings you MUST keep the house warm. Know that the Buyers will enter the house and either be relieved to be inside or will wonder if the furnace is broken, the Seller is too cheap to run the furnace (what else are they too cheap to do?) or if they were simply not expecting to get showings. A warm house is one in which Buyers linger, on a cold day. Stay a while =get emotionally attached.
4. It’s a really good idea to have a “no shoes” policy for inclement weather (winter!). In the event that people arrive with hard to remove shoes, do them a favor and leave a basket of booties at the door with a little sign asking them to “use booties or remove shoes, thank you”.
5. Have the home pre-inspected when the weather is good. This way a Buyer who might be reluctant to put a home under contract during weather that doesn’t allow for A/C, sprinkler system and roof inspections, already has the information to give them peace of mind. Plus they trust the Seller now. This person is someone who is ready to get the job done right and cares that the Buyer is satisfied.
Final thought? Hmm… how about Dallice’s pick of best and worst winter pictures in the MLS right now?
Selling northern Colorado real estate for the most money in winter requires “captivating” the Buyer…. like this:
It’s a beautiful property. Large, contemporary, comfortable and functional inside. Located in the west part of Boulder on a quiet street and not too far from downtown. The views to the Flatrions from inside and looking through all those windows at the front and center is well planned.
If your price range includes home over a million dollars, call me for a viewing or more info on this Boulder gem. 🙂