Selling Your Home in Winter? Here's How to Stand Out

Winter Selling Has Its Advantages

Conventional wisdom says spring is the best time to sell. And while it's true that more homes sell in spring, that doesn't mean winter is a bad time — in fact, for strategic sellers, winter can actually be an advantage. There's less competition on the market, and the buyers who are actively looking in December through February tend to be more serious. They're not casually browsing on a sunny Saturday; they're motivated to buy.

Curb Appeal Still Matters

Yes, even when everything is brown and bare. Keep the walkways clear of snow and ice (this is also a liability issue). Add a fresh doormat. If your front door looks tired, a fresh coat of paint is one of the highest-ROI improvements you can make — it takes an afternoon and costs under $50. Consider adding a wreath or seasonal greenery to make the entrance feel welcoming without looking like a holiday display.

Make sure your exterior lighting works. In winter, many showings happen in the late afternoon when it's already getting dark. Buyers' first impression of your home might literally be under porch light. Make it count.

Warmth Is a Selling Tool

When buyers walk into your home in January, the temperature they feel shapes their emotional response. Keep the thermostat at a comfortable 70-72°F for showings. Light the fireplace if you have one. The smell of fresh coffee or baked goods is a cliché because it works — it creates an unconscious feeling of comfort and home.

Use warm lighting throughout the house. Replace any cool-toned or fluorescent bulbs with soft white. Open all blinds and curtains during the day to maximize natural light — winter homes can feel dark and cave-like if you're not intentional about lighting.

Photography Is Everything

This is true year-round but especially in winter. Most buyers will see your listing photos before they ever visit in person. If your photos show a gray sky, leafless trees, and brown grass, you're starting at a disadvantage. A skilled real estate photographer knows how to work with winter light and make your home look inviting regardless of the season.

Consider including a few photos from warmer months if you have them — showing the backyard in full bloom or the deck set up for entertaining helps buyers envision the property's full potential.

Price It Right from Day One

This advice applies year-round, but it's especially critical in winter when buyer volume is lower. An overpriced home in July might still get some interest. An overpriced home in January will sit — and every day on market in winter feels longer because there are fewer new buyers entering the market to see it.

Work with your agent to price competitively based on recent comparable sales, not on what you hope to get. A well-priced winter listing often sells faster and for more than an overpriced one that has to be reduced.