Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Selling your house during the snowy months

Tonight and tomorrow there is another snow storm in the forecast for our area here in Fairfield county, CT. Right after our last storm I was at a client's house for a home staging consultation and made a few observations, which I thought are important to share with home sellers who live in a snowy area.

  • Buyers should be directed through the front door, where they get the best first impression of the house (curb appeal as well as entering the house). Therefore, shuffle the snow in front of your house and the walk way to the front door. 
  • If the house is located closer to the street and the snow plow pushed the snow to the side of each side of the street, but there is then no longer enough space for any cars to park, make the extra effort to shuffle parking spots. Potential buyers will then be inclined to park in front of the house and take the front entrance. 
  • Make sure that the driveway is free of snow, so enough cars can park in your driveway. Once the snow is no longer fresh it gets much harder to remove the snow to accommodate traffic for your Open House visitors. 
  • If your driveway is to the side of the house ensure that there is a snow and ice free pathway from there to the front door. Don't lead buyers through the garage and basement into the house just because it is easier. You will loose out on opportunities of a great first impression. Remember, first impressions are formed within the first 10 seconds. 
  • Have a door mat on either side of the front door - outside and inside - to get the snow off the visitors' shoes. 
  • Clean off the snow from your deck and patio furniture, so buyers and see how large it is and in what condition it is. 
Happy selling!