Nobody can deny this year has been challenging with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and if you’re planning on selling your house it could add a laundry list of extra tasks to your damaging schedule. Contrary to what you might think, the housing market is still strong, in fact,

in 2020, it is estimated that around 5.46 million existing homes are going to be sold.

In fact, here is some good news because the housing inventory is generally smaller during the winter, lenders are less busy. This means that when your buyers are ready to go under contract, they can get their financing ready to go that much faster, and everyone can make it to closing quicker. If you are planning on selling your home in the winter months there are surefire ways to boost your curb appeal. Here are some ways to get your house winter ready with these tips from HGTV.

• Safety first. First and foremost, you want to ensure that buyers can make it to your front door without any accidents. Prevent slips by clearing your driveway, walkways and stairs of snow, ice and leaves.
• A tidy lawn. Your grass may no longer be green, but you can still keep your lawn looking neat so buyers can picture what it will look like in the spring and summer. Keep your lawn clean by periodically raking up leaves and other debris.
• Clean gutters. Leaves will accumulate in your gutters in the fall, so clean them out before putting your home on the market to show buyers that you care about exterior home maintenance.
• Fresh paint. Because of bare trees, buyers have a clearer view of your home in the fall and winter than they do in the spring and summer. Faded or chipped paint will really stand out, so give your home a fresh coat if it needs it.
• Outdoor lighting. As the days get shorter, having proper outdoor lighting will make your home safer and more attractive for buyers who come to visit at night. Use a series of path lights to illuminate the way to your front door, or flank the door with decorative sconces or lanterns.
• Winter decorations. A giant inflatable Santa Claus in the front yard is sure to distract buyers, but subtle wintry decorations can bring out the best in your home. Try a simple wreath on the front door, small white lights strung around shrubbery, or a pile of firewood stacked neatly against a wall.
• Cold-weather plants. Evergreen trees or plants that can stand up to the cold weather such as pansies or witch hazel can liven up a drab landscape.

Choose a real estate agent that will genuinely take the time to understand your wants and needs. Contact Sandy Majetich-Toth at 815-791-2215. I can help you in your search for a new home, or help you sell your current property. Let’s get started today.