Real Estate Talk:
Marketing property in winter

A well-lit, wonderfully fragrant and comfortable house will sell all year round

By Joseph Marovitch

Previously published October 10, 2018

In summer months property shows well. It is sunny and warm outside and the colours are bright, therefore the property, both inside and out, shows life, light and space. However, in the fall and winter months, there are definite opportunities to create a warm and inviting environment so that buyers fall in love with the house. To present a warm and inviting home to buyers, sellers must create light, life, warmth and comfort. A buyer’s senses are key considerations when preparing the property.

What the buyers see is important. Upon entering a home at any time of year, the buyer should see cleanliness and space. However, in winter, warm inviting throw blankets on the couch and chairs in the living room are very appealing. Thick duvets on the beds create a sense of comfort for the buyer. Bowls of fruit and cookies laid out in the kitchen create an impression that buyers remember.

To present a warm and inviting home to buyers, sellers must create light, life, warmth and comfort.

Sense of smell is another factor that is an advantage to the seller. There are smells that can deter buyers but there are also smells that attract buyers and create a memory. The smell of baked cookies or muffins can create a warm feeling for the buyer and bring pleasurable memories from the past. The buyer then may associate the pleasant memories with the property.

Montreal residents may no longer operate wood-burning fireplaces except in certain areas where either the municipality has a grandfather clause, or the municipality is separate from the city of Montreal, like Westmount for instance. Residents who are part of Montreal can operate gas fireplaces or fireplaces with reduced emissions.

The smell of wood burning in the fireplace is and was always an advantage when buyers visit a property in the colder months. If you are one of those who can still operate a wood-burning fireplace, then it is always good to have the fire burning during a visit. The smell of the fire and the crackling of the wood are attractive to buyers. If you have a gas fireplace, run it. It cannot hurt. The smell of hot chocolate is also an attraction.

‘The smell of wood burning in the fireplace is and was always an advantage when buyers visit a property in the colder months.’

A beautiful home, pleasing to the eyes, wonderfully fragrant and soft to the touch, sells. Some people have a natural talent for decoration and set up. Some do not. If you are not sure and you want the property you are selling to have every advantage, either find a stager or speak to your real estate broker.

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Have a great week!

Image: Pixabay

Read also: Other articles by Joseph Marovitch