First impressions mean an awful lot when you’re trying to sell your home… there are a few things you can do to make the winter home shopper’s experience better, and thereby improve the emotional state while viewing your home:
Side walks and driveway:
Absolutely must be shoveled and de-iced before every showing. We all know Edmonton is cold in the winter and we have lots of snow, and neither of these things makes many people happy about living here. If we also have to trudge through knee-deep snow, or scramble across ice patches just to get into the home it really ruins the "what a lovely home" feeling you’re hoping for when a potential buyer walks in the front door.- Key box:
We have to access the key box every time we show a property… so wherever it’s located should be shoveled and de-iced as well, and the box should be off the ground and out of the snow. If it’s in an inconvenient location call your Realtor and ask them to move it somewhere that is easy to access. - Front door mat:
Typically there are two-four people on a showing. There should be a mat at the front door that is large enough for everyone to get inside and close the door before having to take off their snowy shoes. Otherwise someone gets left in the cold, your door gets left open, or snow gets trampled into your front entryway and the first impression of the home is that the entry is too small. Also remove all your own shoes and coats from the front entryway to make it appear as spacious as possible. - Lights:
Many showings occur in the evening and it gets dark very early here in Edmonton at this time of year. Make sure your exterior lights are on for evening showings, and if possible the interior lights are all on as well. If the property is vacant put a few lamps on timers so there is at least some light when people arrive. - Heat:
Your thermostat should be set at a minimum 18 degrees. You want to encourage buyers to stay and enjoy the home by making it a nice place to be… freezing cold is not enjoyable! If you have a fireplace, turn it on before you leave to set a warm and cozy atmosphere.
All in all, if someone has made the effort to come and view your home when it’s -20 out, take the opportunity to make your home stand out in a positive way in their minds, and make it the kind of place you’d like to live in.
Photo Credit:
When I visited a condo in montreal the other week they had disposable booties or slippers similar to those at the doctors office. They are always a nice bonus and keep the floors clean as well. Not everybody likes to walk around in their socks.