In many parts of the country, selling a home during the winter 
months can be a challenge.  Dreary, cold weather and the 
end-of-the-year holidays can keep buyers away and heighten 
fears of your home staying on the market longer than expected.

However, there are a few things you can do to enhance “curb 
appeal.”  And when that happens, buyers will take notice.

For example, if your home has been on the market for more than 
six months, it’s probably time to change the sales approach.  
There are several factors that could be reviewed with your real 
estate agent to determine improvements that can be made.  Ask 
for a reassessment of the sales price; it may be too high for 
the current market.  Also, ask the agent for a new or updated 
marketing plan and ask for a specific explanation of each 
activity.  Marketing your home goes beyond a few ads in the 
newspaper and a listing on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS); 
a good agent will do more to get your home sold. 

If your current agent doesn’t respond to your satisfaction, you 
should contact the real estate broker (the owner of the office) 
and ask for a different sales agent – or, if you’re no longer 
under any contractual obligation to the firm, it might be time 
to change real estate offices entirely.

When setting the asking price through a comparative marketing 
analysis, compare similar homes sold in the winter months.  
Many owners set their asking price too high because of 
comparisons with sales prices during peak seasons.  Always 
try to compare like properties sold at the same time of year. 

Once you’ve settled on an asking price, its time to spruce up 
the interior and exterior of your home.  Many real estate agents 
recommend opening as many curtains as possible to add light and 
color to rooms.  Also, it’s suggested that you keep spring and 
summer pictures of your home out on tables and in clear view.  
Photos of your front yard flowers or the backyard shade tree in 
full summer bloom can help swing many buyers in favor of a 
purchase. 

Staying on top of winter maintenance and chores is another 
sure-fire way of adding value to your home.  A neatly shoveled 
driveway and cleared walkway can add a nice touch.  Make sure 
the furnace is in good working condition and that the room 
temperature is kept at a comfortable level.  Also, check to 
see that the basement if dry and sealed from any drafts.

Take yourself on a tour of your home.  Start in the basement 
and work you way through the house.  More than likely you’ll 
see many previously undiscovered cluttered spaces and needed 
repairs that can turn off potential buyers.

Don’t overload your home with holiday decorations, either.  
The buyer should have a chance to see you home in its everyday 
condition.