CEO's Message Jun 2018
Category CEO's Message
I am told that far fewer houses sell during the winter months and that many estate agents advise their sellers to hold off until the warmer months. I’m not too sure that I agree with that.
For starters, most of us live in our homes all year round and it is as important to choose one that appeals year round. In fact, given that you are not likely to be outdoors as much or spending you time on the beach or in the countryside, it is probably even more important to find a home that offers warmth and comfort during the chillier time of the year.
At Tyson Properties, agents will guide you on how to beat that wind chill factor and make your home seem more appealing to those viewing it during the winter. Alternatively, they’ll advise you, as a buyer, on what things you should look for when selecting the right home when temperatures are lower than usual.
Having chatted to our agents, here are a few important thoughts and tips when it comes to marketing – or, the flip side, buying – a property when winter bites.
1. Don’t be afraid of show days: While it is true that you might find fewer people want to brave the cold to view homes, you are also more assured of finding more serious buyers who are prepared to venture out. Use the cold as an excuse to turn up the comfort factor and provide hot drinks for visitors to your home. That way your home will be a welcoming retreat from the cold and potential buyers might just spend more time there.
2. Turn up the heat: In my experience, it is all about getting the balance right. Try not to close all the windows and turn up the heating to the point where rooms are oppressively warm and stuffy. It might even be worth heating up your home and then switching off just before a viewing so guests are comfortable. Especially on show days, chilly weather provides a perfect opportunity to show off a working fireplace – just make sure there’s plenty of firewood to keep it stoked and that the ventilation works well and doesn’t push smoke into a room.
3. Let your lights shine: As we all know, days are shorter and it gets darker far more quickly in winter. Be prepared to schedule viewings earlier if possible as many potential buyers might not want to venture out in the dark. Alternatively, should someone want to come round after dark, let this work to your advantage. Make sure your property is well lit both internally and externally. It is sometimes even worth adding candles to make rooms seem cosier and welcoming on winter evenings. But, also, never make rooms too dark for prospective buyers to see your home. For buyers, this is a good time to check security lighting.
4. Add a little of your own springtime: Up country, gardens and lawns are brown during the winter months so try to add some life and colour with strategically placed pot plants or vases of cut flowers. An interesting tip from one of our clients was to have a coffee table scrap book on hand (especially during show days) with photographs taken during the spring or summer months. That way you can show off the house in different seasons and outdoor areas such as swimming pools, patios and gazebos can be shown to best advantage.
5. Choose the right time to take your photographs: If you have the luxury of planning ahead, try to take any marketing photographs or video’s in late summer when there’s still a bit of greenery around and your property can be shown to its best advantage.
6. Furnish for comfort: During chilly times, make your rooms as cuddly and comforting as you can. Go for fluffy pillows, throws and blankets on couches and beds. Comforters and plump quilts can make bedrooms inviting as can warm rugs, mats and carpets when it comes to colder wooden and tiled floors which are ideal in summer.
7. Show off winter friendly rooms: You might even want to repurpose or talk up rooms that would be more appealing during the winter months. Make downstairs basements appear as warm and inviting play or games rooms or even exercise areas. Make sure there are plenty of fluffy towels and cosy robes strategically draped in chilly bathrooms. Put a lovely roaring log fire in an outside area if you want to show off where you braai during warmer times.
8. Don’t neglect the garden: While not much might be growing at this time of year, make sure that even brown lawns are neat and tidy. Remove any dead vegetation and rake up any leaves.
regards Chris
Author: Tyson Properties
