Just because it's chilly outside doesn't mean that your house sale is going to go cold.  There are a few things you can do to make it seem more cozy & desirable when people come to view it.  And here's an added benefit, you don't have to spend a fortune to do it!

1. Check the entry.  When people come to view your home, you don't want them to have to battle piles of snow or icy sidewalks.  Take a shovel & clear a path, or throw some rock salt out to melt the steps.  The last thing you need is to have someone slip & fall!

2. Warm up the inside.  Do you have a fireplace?  Make sure there's a great fire blazing when the home is going to be shown if at all possible.  Also, if you can, keep the thermostat turned to a comfortable temperature.  If the house is too cold, buyers are going to scurry to get out of the house as quickly as possible & you want them to linger & look.

3. Keep it light & bright.  During the holidays, have your Christmas tree lights on and make sure the house lights are on as well.  Open the curtains throughout the house (show off those super clean panes) and let the natural sunlight in as well.

4. Cozy up the house.  Maybe the living room sofa could use a couple of throw pillows.  How about that quilt or afghan from grandma?  Drape it neatly on an overstuffed chair & turn a book upside down to give the feeling that someone was just reading. 

5. Decorate with care, but by all means decorate!  This time of year, buyers are expecting to see decorations in homes - it gives the feeling of a "happy" mess.  Do be careful however, you may not need every single one of your collection of 1000 Santas on display.  Besides, when it sells, you'll have that many more to pack back up!

6. The nose knows!  Grab a crockpot and it put out to simmer with an orange that has had a million cloves stuck into it.  Or maybe you have some cookie dough in the freezer that you can quickly throw in the oven before people come.  Then, put them on a plate with a note & offer them to the people touring your home.  Trust me, they're not going to forget the house that had goodies for them.

7. Floors need love too.  Have some booties by the front door so people can see that you care about your house, and want it protected.  Besides, it also allows the client to think about what kind of flooring you have and what they would do if they owned the home.  They might even slip their shoes off & try out the cushiony softness of the carpet!