When the time of the year comes around that is wet and
cold, some hearty Columbus residents don't even want to go outside to run the most
routine of errands, let alone check out an open house for even the most
feature-filled of listings. Even though the general rules of real estate pay
heed to the fact that the winter is usually the slower of times, there is
definitely some positive movement to be had in the slow and colder months. When
buyers do make their way to your door during this time, it is important to take
steps to assure the experience for them is excellent. Extending a very urgent
and thankful hand to show that people are looking at your house and appearing
desperate can sometimes result in a bit of a blurred line, so we wanted to
provide some tips to have a very successful open house during the winter.
Make sure to avoid a fall: During a showing is one time when you
want to make absolutely sure that all of the walkways leading to the front door
from the street are completely free of ice and snow. There may be a very
interested party on their way to view the house, but one thing that could
change their minds very quickly is getting hurt on a slick part of the
pavement.
Pay special attention to the landing area: Many properties have an outdoor front
porch on the property, and this should be kept very clear to avoid any
problems. Once they are inside, having a nice umbrella stand and a coat rack
for winter wear are other key additions for comfort. One great way to look out
for the future floor of the potential buyer is to have some handy shoe covers
ready, so the moisture is not all tracked onto the now pristine floor.
Taking note of the temp: During a winter home showing is one of
the times when you want to get the temperature setting of a home just right.
You don't want it to be set at a blazing hot level, because people will be here
in their heavy coats. It is also not a time when you want to skimp on the heat
setting in any way, because the front door may be opening and closing again and
again.
Allowing for ample light: With shorter days and the factor of
cloudy weather during this season, it is important to allow as much light into
the home as possible for showings. Even if you have made the decision to not
want the windows completely open, you can certainly make sure that they are
clean, and that any drapes are pulled back to maximize the potential of light
coming in the house.
Gauging Over-personalization: Before your winter open house, make
sure to take down pictures of your loved ones, specific memorabilia, and other
personal collectibles that may be lingering around. Since potential buyers are
picturing themselves living in the home during the future, the kind of décor
presented should just evoke the home as very neutral: appropriately brought to
life, but not necessarily taken over by one particular sport's teams fan items.
Thoughts on polarizing items: Especially during times like these,
some don't take well to seeing items in the house that are of a religious or
political connotation. Even though many who have these items in their home want
to believe that the buyer will see them as a reflection on only them, many of
these items are simply too sensitive to be present during a showing. When
others are looking at your house is a time that any prejudgment or negativity
should be left aside.
Welcoming vibe with warm drinks: Sometimes during the summer months in
a seller's market, the place is rapidly put up for sale, and an open house
provides no extras, or even the tiniest of luxury. It is felt that anyone who
wants the home will make a serious offer, and the dwelling will speak for
itself. During winter showings it's a good idea to have warm drinks at the open
house: not only are you providing a welcome beverage during cold times, but the
potential buyer may now easily envision themselves making warm and special
memories here during the times to come.
