Sure, selling your Sherwood home in the middle of winter may seem like a less than appealing time, especially when Spring is just a couple months away. But not everyone has the luxury of waiting to sell or buy for that matter, and a couple months of playing the waiting game will find a way to add up in more ways than one.

You’re not alone, all greater Portland homes are seeing the same type of weather conditions – brown grass, gray skies, shorter daylight hours for home showings… Even this week we got 5 inches of snow at our home in Sherwood! (well that part was nice, there’s nothing quiet like a winter wonderland to cheer you up.)

But there’s a reality and winter has its benefits!

For one winter weeds out the buyers.  Cold weather doesn’t make house hunting “fun” so home-buyers who are calling their Portland Metro Realtor are more serious and in need of finding the right Sherwood home -or- respective property that meets their criteria in the surrounding area such as Tualatin, Tigard, Wilsonville, West Linn or Lake Oswego for example.

From the holiday’s to job relocations that take place this time of year, there’s an influx of travelers with specific needs and they’re more inspired to buy — again, making those buyers out there more serious home-buyers.  With listing inventory levels down this time of year, you’ll also have far less competition on the market when selling your Sherwood home or real estate in the surrounding area during the winter months.  For sellers who may not get quite as many showings, The quality of showings is much better with those serious home-buyers looking to make a purchase.

Life’s not about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain…

Having a better understanding of the seasonal and local market conditions, in addition to the behavior of the audience you’re seeking puts factors in your favor when selling your Sherwood home in the middle of winter.  Add that forecast to fantastic deals on the market, along with historically low interest rates and you have yourself a perfect-storm.  As the saying goes, life’s not about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain. (let’s be PC, we’re in the NW so we’ll add sleet and snow to that – but boy to we have fun outdoor recreation here year around, no problems selling Oregon’s great Northwest lifestyle!)

How to STAND OUT to those serious buyers?

Okay, selling your home in Sherwood or the surrounding area in the winter proves to have it’s benefits – but it’s only when preparation meets opportunity that good things happen.  It’s all about putting your best foot forward to insure you STAND OUT to those serious buyers, moving you from having a Sherwood home for sale to another home sold.  Here’s some ideas, let’s get to work…

• Clear the walkways.  If you have snow or ice covering the walkways, make it a daily routine to keep them clear.  Curb appeal is your first impression and making those buyers coming for a home tour see the potential and feel welcome will help take them from looking to “you had me at hello!”
• Keep out the cold.  Nothing says homey like a warm and cozy space.  Home-buyers are coming in from the cold – home is your refuge – this creates a great opportunity to appeal to their senses.  A little bit of savings on the heating bill is nothing compared to the sale of your home.  Turn up the heat, put on the gas fireplace, throw open the curtains and blinds, and flick on the lights.  (Don’t forget, you can also install timers too.) While you’re at it put some music low and send an attractive, subtle aroma through the home (like fresh baked bread or cookies baked earlier in the day -or- switch on a Scentsy Warmer to set the mood.  If you have a wood burning fireplace or stove, simply “set the stage” for a fire to evoke the idea while insuring safety when leaving the home.)
• Keep it squeaky clean.  Hard to do no matter what time of year it is, but it’s worth every penny of effort.  Many times sellers think of the obvious surfaces, but in today’s real estate climate you’re in a beauty contest so you have to go beyond counters, floors and making sure the beds are made -think details- like baseboards and windows, touch up’s and repairs.  Gone are the days of little things and normal wear and tear.  Buying in a distressed market can be stressful, and while it may seem normal to you and I, buyers want to purchase something that gives them the security that everything is well maintained and taken care of.  Having a “please remove your shoes” sign and basket of blue booties by the door conveys that and helps you maintain your efforts.
• Emphasize the positives.  You can change the house, but you can’t change the location so emphasize the positives.  Maybe it’s a small townhouse lot but all the yard maintenance is taken care of by the HOA.  If there’s stores around the corner get excited about it being walking distance to shopping or the fact that it’s on a bus route. These are important things to mention to perspective buyers and highlight in the home marketing.  Lifestyle is also equally important.  Talking up things like Mt. Hood fun just an hour away while we’re in the winter months is a great way to promote the area.  We also have our own NBA team with games going on right in Portland – Blazer basketball offers fans fun winter entertainment too!

Take the next step…

If you’re ready to get ahead of the listing curve and grab those winter buyers, give The Gardner Team a call and let’s discuss your goals and possibilities of getting your home on the market and sold.   Jason and Amber, The Gardner Team with The Hasson Company Realtors: 971.832.1234 | jason@gardnerteam.net

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