In current conditions Agents and Home Owners are looking for interesting ways to market properties.  Catching a Buyer’s attention within the first few moments they see a home on one of the many websites devoted to real estate sales or during a “drive by” showing of your property is crucial and a little tricky in the Winter.

Here are a few tips for updating the look of a listing to refresh its content and grab the Buyer’s attention during the Winter Season;

Pictures say it all!

A great way to have a Buyer not “click thought to the next” listing while they are browsing online is to update the pictures shown with a listing to reflect the current season.

A great effect that can be used is after a fresh snow fall, at dusk, when there is still a little light outside,  turn all the lights on in the home that are visible through the windows from the outside. Take an exterior shot of the home to show a warm and cozy invitation to view the home further. Make sure to turn off the flash while taking the picture and use a tripod to reduce blur. Also, open up all the blinds and curtains to show glimpses of the inside – create curiosity.

 If nothing significant in the home has been changed then updating interior pictures is not necessary. However a fresh look at the rooms in the home may renew interest in a Buyer that has viewed the home before.  New pictures will also help increase the traffic to the home’s listing by providing fresh content for internet search engines. Be cautious though, pictures with holiday decorations may put-off a Buyer and if they are not managed in a timely way can date the look of the home. The written description of the home on website listings should also be updated regularly to increase views of the property on real estate websites.

While showcasing a home during the Winter season creates an “in the now” effect make sure to still include pictures of the home, deck, porch and garden during the warmer months – create anticipation.

Drive By Showings

A drive by showing of a home may happen with or with out the Seller or Agent’s knowledge. It’s an easy way for a Buyer to narrow down which houses they want to view completely from a long list they may have compiled from browsing websites. Buyers will decide which house they want to view based on their first impression of the outside of a home.

Here are some Curb Appeal tips to make a home it’s most attractive in the stark landscape of Winter;

In Winter time most potential Buyers will be viewing properties just before, during and just after dusk. Make sure to have the driveway, paths, decks & porches clear of snow and ice. Use clear outdoor flood lighting to accent interesting architectural aspects, evergreen landscaping and outdoor entertaining areas.

Get the Buyer thinking of Sunnier days and Summer entertaining by keeping the deck and outdoor entertaining areas “set up”. Use outdoor friendly fabrics on weather friendly furnishings that mimic the decorating scheme from inside the home. Landscape lighting can add to outdoor spaces even in winter time if it’s pointed to high light an evergreen or sculpture item.  This extra touch will make a wonderful story like effect when viewing it from inside.

Evergreens come in may shades and textures adding interest to a sleeping garden. A winter garden does not need a lot, just a few bushes, topiaries or small trees can add interest and depth to an otherwise blank space. Since it’s too late to plant an evergreens now see about using potted evergreens, remember, just a few, keep the grouping in odd numbers and the impact will be immediate.

Color used wisely can add wonderful touches to the outside of a home. Make the front door a focal point with a Winter wreath made of willow and evergreen with touches of deep purple. Stay away from holiday themed wreaths as they can not be left out through the whole of the season. If there are window boxes use evergreen cuttings and add in some foliage items from the cabbage family to add a wonderful deep purple touch. If purple isnot a favorite color check out Winter color palettes to find a color that will pop but remember to stick with colors seen in nature.

With these tips and regular attention you can create a wonderful winter setting around a home and market it for all four seasons!