HUD Articles

Real estate in the snow!

If you have a home you are marketing in the winter, sometimes showings can be an issue!  Ask your sellers to make sure all walks are shoveled, walkways are salted and free of ice.  It can be very helpful if the sellers have pictures of their back and front yards taken during summer so buyers can visualize the entire property.

Remember, it gets dark early.  If you are leaving before a showing, always turn on all the lights so that the home has a welcoming appearance.  Since homes are generally more closed up in the winter, try to put out some lightly fragrant potpourri or air fresheners to reduce any cooking odors or stuffy smells.

If there is a yard sign, make sure it is highly visible and not snow covered.

Leave a mat at the door for snowy boots, and a place to put snowy coats.  Turn up the heat a degree or two, especially if you tend to keep the home cooler than 68 degrees.  

Remember, buyers who are out looking at homes in the winter are usually highly motivated.  Any showing is an opportunity not to be missed.