Selling Your Home in the Winter ~ Play Up These Features

Selling Your Home in the Winter?  Play Up These Features

Have you been thinking about putting your home on the market this winter?  Maybe you have to sell now; maybe you want to beat the spring rush.  If you live in the colder climates, you know that winter is a challenging time to sell a house.  And if you have experienced our recent freak October snowstorm that brought thousands of homeowners to their knees with massive power outages, you are painfully aware that it won't be easy to make someone fall in love with your house in the winter.

But, if you are thinking about putting your home on the market this winter, you can improve your chances of luring buyers by playing up the features everyone will appreciate--especially after the last snow storm.

Whole House Generator:  With more than 800,000 people out of electricity, a whole house generator will appeal to anyone who had to endure loss of power.  People who are relocating to Connecticut may be particularly fearful of being at the mercy of Mother Nature.  A whole-house generator will ease their fears; however, any type of generator will be appreciated.

Fireplace:  Fireplaces have long been seen as romantic, but when the power goes out, they become life-saving.  Whether it's a woodburning fireplace or a gas fireplace, a fireplace as a heat source will allow a certain degree of comfort in extreme conditions.  Gas fireplaces have an extra advantage in that they burn cleaner than wood fireplaces and may be more energy efficient.

Underground Utilities:  While this won't prevent all power outages, underground utilities will improve the chances that your home will be operational when power is restored to the area. 

Gas Stove:  Again, gas stoves have long been in demand, but they become even more desireable in areas that are prone to power outages.  They are not just for gourmet cooks; you will be able to cook whatever is in your freezer before it spoils in a power outage.  And with a stove top coffee maker, you will be sure to have your favorite beverage available.

Extra Insulation:  Houses that hold heat better have an advantage during a power outage.  Your fireplace will keep the indoor space warmer longer if the warm air is not escaping through the walls.

Energy-Efficient Windows:  New windows will be more energy efficient than older windows because of new technology.  However, insulating correctly around the windows is just as critical in keeping heat from escaping.

Public Water:  As anyone with a well will tell you, when the power goes out so does your water supply.  Without water, you are not able to boil water, fill the dog's bowl, or flush the toilets.  When the power goes out, people with public water will still have this vital resource.

Gas Water Heater:  If you have public water and a gas water heater, you can still wash dishes, take a shower, etc.  Big plusses during a power outage.

Snow Blower:  If you are thinking of making the move to warmer climates, you might want to entice buyers by including your super-duper snow blower as a package deal with the house.  Snow will fall; minimize the effects by providing an easy way to remove it.

If you are thinking about putting your house on the market this winter, focus on these features to improve your chances of selling.  If you don't have any of the features listed, you might want to consider installing some of these to make your home more attractive to potential buyers.

Remember, people still have this storm on their minds and they will want to have their fears allayed.  Do whatever you can to lessen their fears, and you will have your home sold before the next snow storm.