So you’ve decided to sell your home in winter. Contrary to what some may think, winter can be a great time to sell. For starters there’s generally less competition. There are also some great ways to make your home look warm, inviting and welcoming in winter.

Below is a list of simple inexpensive suggestions to make your home stand out and appeal to more buyers when selling in winter (many of these tips apply all year-round).

Preparing to sell

• Have your heating systems (e.g. air conditioners, gas heaters) serviced and the fireplace and chimney cleaned (if you have one)
• Check windows for any gaps and seal them with gap filler if necessary to prevent any chilly draughts flowing through the house
• Add cushions, throws, rugs and candles to create warmth
• If you have timber floors, tiles or polished concrete flooring, one or two well-placed rugs will add warmth and cosiness to a room
• Clean out gutters, unblock drains and tidy the garden
• Repaint or repair your front fence (if you have one and if required) as first impressions are everything when selling
• Steam clean curtains and wipe over blinds to remove dust and dirt and freshen your home

The day before the first Home Open

• Vacuum and mop floors
• Clear any clutter from table tops
• Open windows to air out your home (especially important in winter when windows tend to be kept shut most of the time to keep the warmth in)
• Remember to close the windows again before inspection day
• Ensure garbage bins are out of sight
• If you have pets, ask a friend or neighbour to check your home for any pet smells (as you may not notice them yourself) and attend to those if necessary

Show Time (the Home Open)

• Walk around the outside and inside of your property to ensure it all presents beautifully
• Ensure heating systems and/or the fireplace are turned on to create a warm, inviting ambience (but don’t make it too warm and stifling)
• Open all blinds and curtains to allow as much natural light as possible to flood in
• Place candles in the living areas and bathrooms
• Place a bunch of fresh flowers on the dining table
• Turn on all lighting, including mood lighting and outdoor lights.
• Ensure pets are secured (better still, take them with you while the Open Home is in progress)
• If it’s raining, place an umbrella stand at the front door and ensure there is a sturdy welcome mat for people to wipe their shoes on before entering your home (place a mat at the rear entrance as well)

Attention to detail is the key. Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and think about the details that would draw you in. Home is meant to be a haven for anyone, so whatever makes your home more welcoming, appealing and comfortable in winter is what you should focus on.