Tips for selling in winter: heat up your home sale

As the temperatures start to dip and the days get shorter, it can be tempting to curl up under a blanket and wait for the warm weather to return. But if you're looking to sell your home during the winter months in Mpumalanga, it's time to heat things up. Don't let the cooler weather put a freeze on your home sale - with these tips, you'll be able to create a warm and inviting space that buyers won't be able to resist.

Reasons to sell your home in winter

If you're a homeowner in Nelspruit looking to sell, don't let the winter chill dampen your spirits! The season is one of the best and there are plenty of reasons to consider before you press pause on your sale or take your home off the market. 

• Have less competition: Because of the perception this time of year is challenging, fewer sellers list their homes. With fewer properties to compete against, you'll have a better chance of securing a sale provided your selling price is right. 
   
• Attract serious buyers: No need to worry about window shoppers. Buyers who contact your listing or brave a chilly breeze to visit your home are generally more likely to be truly interested in buying. Buyers with families often take the June/July period off to spend with their children during their school break, giving them extra time to look at properties. 
   
• Show off your home: While winter in areas like Mbombela (Nelspruit) is generally mild, you can show how your home copes with dry conditions and less light. If your home is equipped to handle the winter, this can be a great selling point. Fireplaces, underfloor heating, solar geysers, and wooden floors that evoke warmth can give a positive impression. 

If you sell in winter, you have just as much of a chance as any other season. Enhancing your home, putting together a solid marketing plan, and staging an experience are key. 

Ways to winter-proof your home sale

Like the other seasons, winter provides a different dynamic. Your aim is to overcome the Lowveld's winter weather conditions and make your house feel bright and cheery. 

Paint and repair: A dry winter can be harsh on your home's surfaces. Patch cracks, repaint peeling/bubbling doors and walls, and revarnish window frames. A well-maintained home will attract more potential buyers and increase your chances of selling quickly.

Clean up your space: A clean and organised space is essential for making a good impression on potential buyers. Don't wait for spring, but jump into action to steam-clean carpets, wipe down surfaces, and get rid of clutter. 

Heat up your home: To beat the winter chill, ensure your space welcomes buyers with warmth. Check your roof's insulation for draughts and invest in a gas or electric heater. You can set the mood by lighting up your fireplace or fire pit; this will also highlight these sought-after home features and impress buyers. 

Bring in the light: As the days get darker, you'll want to focus your efforts on making your home as bright and cheery as possible. Have your windows cleaned, draw back curtains and blinds, and have trees and shrubs trimmed to maximise light. You can also buy warm-white light bulbs to cast an inviting glow. 

Spruce up your garden: First impressions count and a beautiful, thriving garden can impress in winter. Add evergreen shrubs or waterwise succulents, trim overgrown branches, and roll out artificial turf to overcome a barren lawn. 

Make ventilation a priority: In the winter, you'll likely keep windows shut against the cold, eat heavier, sizzling meals, and have long showers or baths. This can let unwanted scents linger for longer and encourage mould growth. Make use of air fresheners or diffusers to add some pleasant scents and wipe down surfaces with a cleaner or vinegar to prevent mould.

Invest in power-saving devices: Electricity costs go up in winter. You can make your home a desirable budget-saver by adding LED, low-energy bulbs, solar lighting, solar geysers, and gas cookers. 

Stage your home: If you create an enticing experience, it can be the difference that gets your home off the market. In the spirit of winter, stage your home with plush rugs and comfy throws and cushions. Baking cookies for a homey smell and offering showhouse visitors hot chocolate can also work wonders. 

Price your home correctly: There are plenty of motivated buyers in winter so you shouldn't feel discouraged. Having a local property expert value your home can help you pinpoint a price that fits the current market and stands out from other properties. 

Make your winter sale a reality

Thinking ahead and making moves now can ensure you find success during the cold season. For a helping hand, look to Kellaprince Properties, your local property experts in Mbombela (Nelspruit), White River, and surrounding Lowveld areas. Simply list your property here to get the ball rolling.