How to Boost the Curb Appeal of Your Winter Listing

Just because you’re listing in winter doesn’t mean that you should let the cold weather freeze out your home’s exterior appearance.  You just have to make a few adjustments for the season.  You see, unlike other months that may be naturally filled with color and life that might make a home more appealing, in winter, there are a few different tactics that must be implemented in order to attract a potential buyer.  

Before we jump into the many ways you can boost curb appeal for your winter listing, do keep one thing in mind so as not to panic over what may seem like a dull, dismal season for selling:  It really doesn’t matter what time of year you put your home on the market because there will always be people looking to buy.  People move year-round for jobs, new marriages, divorces, kids and all sorts of other reasons.  

Winter Curb Appeal Tips for Buyers and Sellers in Chicago, IL

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean that you should give up or slack off on curb appeal.  Trust us.  If you list it, they will come!  But, just to ensure that you’ve done everything within your power to sell your home, always remember that making a good first impression is absolutely critical.  So, let’s take a look at a few ways you can prepare your home’s exterior for a winter sale:

• ALWAYS – Safety First:  As we experience particularly brutal, cold winter months here in Illinois, you must always put safety first when dealing with hazardous weather.  You want to ensure that potential buyers can safely make it to your front door without any accidents.  This means clearing driveways, walkways and stairs of ice and snow.  
• Keep Yards Tidy:  Though the grass may no longer be green, you can still keep your lawn looking nice and neat.  Remove all dead leaves and debris.  Not only does this simple act make a nice first impression, it also allows potential buyers a chance to picture how the yard will look in the warmer months.  
• Add Seasonal Plants:  You can liven up your yard or front porch with some cold-weather plants.  Evergreen trees and plants like witch hazel and pansies bring color and life to what is sure to be a pretty drab landscape in the winter.  
• Clean the Gutters:  As the seasons change, leaves and other debris can accumulate in your gutters.  Take the time to clean them out before listing your home to really show potential buyers that you care for your property and have kept up with all maintenance.
• Add a Fresh Coat of Paint:  Since the exterior of your home will be more exposed thanks to the bare trees, it’s always a good idea to give the exterior of your home a nice facelift with a fresh coat of paint.  This just helps to brighten things up a bit while ensuring that those ugly stains and chips don’t stand out.  
• Add Outdoor Lighting:  Since the days are shorter and darker in the winter, it’s a good idea to add some extra exterior lighting.  This makes your home more attractive, inviting and safe for those visiting at night.  You might even consider adding a series of path lights to illuminate walkways to entrances.  
• Consider Winter Decorations:  No, we’re not talking about giant inflatable snow globes in the front yard, rather something a bit more subtle to bring out the best features in your home.  A simple wreath on the front door is always inviting or a few small white lights around columns, plants, etc.

Winter curb appeal may not come as easily as it might in the warmer months, but with features from this list in mind and a little creativity, we hope that you can increase your home’s winter curb appeal in no time. Use these tips to attract the right potential buyer who will love your home just as much as you have, year-round.  

Are you ready to buy or sell a home in Chicago? If so, contact me to get started today!