The winter season makes it a bit more challenging to showcase homes to their fullest. During this time, it is important to create a warm and welcoming feeling both inside and outside of the home so that buyers can visualize themselves living there. Check out some of the tips and tricks you can utilize to help you sell a home during the winter.

1. Raise the Temperature

Raising the temperature in a home encourages buyers to spend more time viewing your home. Anywhere from 70 degrees and up should do the trick! Set a reminder on your phone for 20 minutes before your open home or showing so you can turn up the heat a bit. Consider using a smart thermostat that is programmable. Smart thermostats are a cutting-edge feature that many homebuyers look for in a home purchase.

2. Brighten the Room

During the dark, winter months, it is important to capture as much light as possible. Open the blinds before showings so as much natural light as possible can pour through the home. This also makes the windows look bigger.

Choosing the best light bulbs for each room can also help make things look brighter. The difference between LED bulbs, warm white, and cool white can significantly change the feel of a room. By doing this, it also helps you see which light fixtures and bulbs need updating and replacing.

3. Cozy Up the Fireplace

Many people consider a fireplace to be the focal point of a room. Make sure the fireplace is clean and well-maintained by sweeping out ashes, dusting, and removing any pieces of logs that were left behind. Try adding some warm touches such as a cozy rug, a basket arrangement, or even some battery-operated candles. Light a fire in the fireplace if possible.

4. Seal Leaky Doors and Windows

A window or door with a draft is noticeable on a windy day. Here are some tips on how to check for drafty doors and windows around a home.

• Run the back of your hand along the perimeter of the door and see if you feel a cold breeze. Listen for any blowing or whistling sounds, and then apply weatherstripping where it is needed.
• Light a candle and hold it about three inches away from the framing of the door or window. Look for flickering and apply caulk or stripping where necessary.

5. Use Warm Accent Colors

Cold winter days and dreary skies create a colorless surface. Use accent colors in your home to create a cozy feeling. Research the colors that complement the current color scheme of your home. Incorporate a pop of color in your throw pillows, home décor around the home, or food in your kitchen. Use light touches here and there throughout.

6. Tend to the Exterior of Home

It is important to remove any excess snow or ice from the driveway, doorstep, and sidewalks before each showing. Make sure to also check the gutters and eaves and remove any ice dams to help avoid mold, ruined insulation, or paint peeling.

Create an inviting ambiance with some curb appeal near the entrance of the home. Replace an old doormat with a new one, install lanterns along the walkway, or hang a welcome sign on the door.

7. Create a Café Atmosphere

Find a place in your kitchen to designate as a café corner. Create a warm and welcoming atmosphere by setting up mugs and a coffee pot. This helps homebuyers visualize themselves living in your home. Plus, it is easy to stow away these items in between showings.